Growing older changes everything — from how your body processes food to how it reacts to stress and even how it handles cholesterol. For years, many people are told to fear cholesterol, but after ... Overview Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood.
The body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells. But high levels of cholesterol can raise the risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, fats and other substances can build up in blood vessels called arteries. This buildup is called plaque.
cholesterol definition, As more plaque forms over time, the arteries can become narrowed or clogged. That makes ... High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream. A higher level of HDL cholesterol is linked to a lower risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that's in every cell in the body.
cholesterol definition, At healthy levels, cholesterol does useful work. A cholesterol test is an important way to check your health. High cholesterol levels often are a key risk factor for a common type of heart disease called coronary artery disease. Coronary artery disease can lead to conditions such as heart attack and stroke. Statins are drugs that can lower your cholesterol. They work by blocking a substance that your body needs to make cholesterol.
Lowering cholesterol isn't the only benefit of taking a statin. These medicines also have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. Statins also may help reduce the risk of certain blood clots. What is VLDL cholesterol?
