Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. While you need some cholesterol for your body to function properly, problems can arise when you have too much cholesterol in your blood. High cholesterol can increase your chances of developing heart disease.

When you have high cholesterol, it can build up in the walls of your arteries so they become narrowed. This can make it difficult for blood to flow to the heart. If the heart does not get enough blood supply, you may experience chest pain. If an artery that supplies blood to the heart becomes completely blocked by cholesterol, it can result in a heart attack.

The coronary arteries are the arteries that supply blood to your heart. The blood is filled with oxygen, which your heart needs to work properly. Coronary heart disease occurs when these arteries become clogged with fatty deposits, such as cholesterol. Clogged arteries can prevent oxygen-rich blood from reaching your heart. This can lead to serious complications like chest pain or a heart attack. Click here to see the effects of cholesterol
What your numbers mean
When you get your cholesterol checked, it is usually broken down into:
  • LDL: the so-called bad cholesterol
  • HDL: the so-called good or healthy cholesterol
  • Triglycerides: Another form of fat found in your blood that may also increase risk of heart disease
  • Total cholesterol

The latest national guidelines have found that lowering LDL is the most important way to help reduce the risks of heart disease.
Classifications of LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides
LDL Cholesterol
<100
100-129
130-159
160-189
=>190		 Optimal
Near optimal/above optimal
Borderline high
High
Very high
HDL Cholesterol
<40
=>60		 Low
High
Triglycerides
150-199
=>200		 Borderline high
High
Total Cholesterol
<200
200-239
=>240		 Desirable
Borderline high
High
Am I at risk?
If you have a high LDL level (over 100 mg/dL) and low HDL level (less than 40 mg/dL), you may be at increased risk for heart disease. Also, the following are other risk factors for heart disease:
  • Diabetes
  • Cigarette smoking
  • High blood pressure
  • Family history of premature heart disease
  • Age (men age 45 years or older; women age 55 or older)
  • Lack of exercise/obesity

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