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# Cholesterol

cho·les·ter·ol - kuh-LES-tuh-rawl

## Definition

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of your body. Despite its bad reputation, cholesterol is essential for life - your body uses it to build cell membranes, produce [hormones](/glossary/hormone) (including [estrogen](/glossary/estrogen), [testosterone](/glossary/testosterone), and vitamin D), manufacture bile acids for digesting [fats](/glossary/lipids), and insulate nerve fibers. Your liver produces all the cholesterol your body needs, but you also get cholesterol from animal-based foods like meat, eggs, and dairy.

When people talk about "high cholesterol," they're typically referring to elevated levels of LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) in the blood. LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol because it can deposit cholesterol in artery walls, contributing to [atherosclerosis](/glossary/atherosclerosis). HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is called "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from the arteries and transport it back to the liver for disposal.

High LDL cholesterol is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A blood test called a lipid panel measures your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and [triglycerides](/glossary/triglycerides). Your doctor uses these numbers, along with other risk factors, to assess your [cardiovascular](/glossary/cardiovascular) risk and determine whether treatment is needed.

## Also Known As

Blood lipids Serum cholesterol 

## Key Facts

-   • About 38% of American adults have total cholesterol levels considered high (200 mg/dL or above). 
-   • LDL cholesterol above 130 mg/dL is generally considered elevated; optimal is below 100 mg/dL. 
-   • HDL cholesterol above 60 mg/dL is considered protective against heart disease. 
-   • Genetics play a significant role - some people have high cholesterol despite excellent diets and exercise habits. 
-   • Statin medications can reduce LDL cholesterol by 30-50% and are among the most widely prescribed drugs worldwide. 
-   • Dietary changes that lower cholesterol include increasing soluble fiber, reducing saturated fat, and adding plant sterols. 

## How It Relates To Your Health

Understanding your cholesterol numbers is one of the most practical steps you can take for cardiovascular health. If your doctor [has](/glossary/hyaluronic-acid) recommended a lipid panel or discussed your cholesterol levels with you, knowing the difference between LDL and HDL - and what the numbers mean - empowers you to participate in treatment decisions.

For many people, lifestyle modifications alone can bring cholesterol to healthy levels. The Mediterranean diet, regular aerobic exercise, weight management, and not smoking all favorably influence cholesterol levels. When lifestyle changes aren't sufficient, statin medications are highly effective and have decades of evidence supporting their safety and efficacy.

## Related Terms

[Atherosclerosis](/glossary/atherosclerosis)[Hypertension](/glossary/hypertension)[Myocardial Infarction](/glossary/myocardial-infarction)[Metabolic Syndrome](/glossary/metabolic-syndrome)

## Related Conditions

[

### Hypertension

Cardiovascular 

Hypertension is a chronic condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains persistently elevated, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. It is often called the 'silent killer' because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred.

Headaches Shortness of breath Nosebleeds 

Chronic Learn More 

](/conditions/hypertension)[

### Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular 

Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits called plaques build up inside artery walls, narrowing the vessels and restricting blood flow. Over time, this can lead to heart attacks, strokes, or peripheral artery disease depending on which arteries are affected.

Chest pain or angina Leg pain when walking Shortness of breath 

Chronic Learn More 

](/conditions/atherosclerosis)[

### Metabolic Syndrome

Endocrine 

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of interconnected conditions - elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels - that occur together and dramatically increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Large waist circumference High blood pressure Elevated blood sugar 

Chronic Learn More 

](/conditions/metabolic-syndrome)

## Related Articles

[![The Mediterranean Diet: A Complete Beginner's Guide](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1498837167922-ddd27525d352?w=1200&h=630&fit=crop&fm=webp)](/nutrition/mediterranean-diet-beginners-guide)

[](/nutrition/mediterranean-diet-beginners-guide)[Nutrition & Diet](/nutrition)

### The Mediterranean Diet: A Complete Beginner's Guide

2026-01-20

[![Intermittent Fasting: What the Science Actually Says](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504674900247-0877df9cc836?w=1200&h=630&fit=crop&fm=webp)](/nutrition/intermittent-fasting-science)

[](/nutrition/intermittent-fasting-science)[Nutrition & Diet](/nutrition)

### Intermittent Fasting: What the Science Actually Says

2025-09-01

## Sources

1.  [Cholesterol](https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2.  [Cholesterol: Top foods to improve your numbers](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol/art-20045192) - Mayo Clinic
3.  [Blood Cholesterol](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/blood-cholesterol) - National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH)

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