What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol (also known as 'blood fat') is a fatty substance produced both by the body and the food you eat. It circulates through your bloodstream in the form of lipoproteins, which are bundles of fat and protein. The body requires a certain amount of lipoproteins to stay healthy, but when the lipoproteins become unbalanced, the risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack and stroke increase. Essentially, when cholesterol and other waste products buildup on the inner lining of the artery wall, they form plaque, which makes it difficult for blood to pass through the artery. This condition is called atherosclerosis and is the main cause of CAD.

The two most commonly considered types of cholesterol are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL cholesterol is often referred to as 'bad cholesterol', because when this type of cholesterol is unused, it accumulates in the arteries and can eventually cause partial or complete blockages that lead to CAD. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol is often referred to as 'good cholesterol', because this lipoprotein retrieves LDL particles from the arteries and transports them to the liver, which then removes them from the body or reprocesses them.

A third form of blood fat is triglycerides, which are produced by the liver. Like LDLs, the body needs a certain amount of triglycerides for energy, but high levels can lead to the same unhealthy consequences. Diets high in fat, sugar and certain types of carbohydrates can raise your triglyceride levels.

Measuring and managing your cholesterol
Your physician can measure your cholesterol levels through simple blood tests. Ideal cholesterol levels for an average healthy adult are:

• A total cholesterol level less than 200
• HDL (good cholesterol) level of 40 or higher
• LDL (bad cholesterol) level of 100 or less
• Triglyceride level of 150

If your cholesterol test results do not fall within these parameters, your cardiologist will recommend dietary modifications and other lifestyle changes. In particular, a high-fat, low-fiber diet and sedentary lifestyle can negatively affect your cholesterol levels. You'll need to correct your diet and activity level to improve your cholesterol. Your physician may also prescribe medication to help lower your cholesterol.

You should note that medication only works effectively if it's used in conjunction with recommended lifestyle changes; medication does NOT replace eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet, exercising regularly, etc.