Blood Cholesterol What is Blood Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs for good health, but in the right amounts.

Lipoproteins

Lipoprotein

(LY-poh-PRO-teen):

A complex molecule containing protein and lipids. Cholesterols such as high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) are types of lipoproteins.

are small, round particles made of

lipids

lipid

(LIH-pid):

Another word for fat, a type of nutrient that the body needs in small amounts. Lipids include saturated fats, unsaturated fats, and trans fats.

(fats) and

proteins

protein

(PRO-teen):

Large molecule made up of building blocks called amino acids. Proteins make up the structure of a cell. Proteins are involved in structures, hormones, enzymes, muscle contraction, immune system responses, and other essential life functions. The amino acids involved are generally determined by a gene.

. These particles carry cholesterol in your blood and throughout your body. Two types of lipoproteins include:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL), sometimes called “good” cholesterol

High levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol may create a buildup of

plaque

plaque

(Plak):

A substance made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. In some cardiovascular diseases, plaque builds up and hardens in arteries. Plaque buildup reduces blood flow and makes it more likely that blood clots will form in the arteries. These blood clots can partially or completely block blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart, brain, kidneys, or legs, arms, or pelvis.

(fatty deposits) in your

arteries

artery

(ARR-tuh-ree):

A blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the organs. Most arteries carry oxygenated blood. The pulmonary arteries carry deoxygenated blood away from the heart to the lungs.

. This buildup can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or other health problems. High levels of “good” HDL cholesterol may lower your risk for health problems. HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol and plaque to the liver to be flushed out of the body.

The

genes

gene

(jeen):

The unit that passes heredity from parents to children. Genes are pieces of DNA and contain information for making a specific protein.

you

inherit

inherit

(in-HAYR-iht):

To pass genetic information from a parent to a child through genes.

and your lifestyle habits play a major role in your cholesterol levels.

Routine blood tests can show whether your cholesterol levels are healthy or unhealthy. To help get your cholesterol levels into the healthy range, you may need heart-healthy lifestyle changes or medicines.

Book traversal links for Blood Cholesterol

Next

Symptoms

Where this page came from

This page was imported from National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Published by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH) and, as a work of the United States government, in the public domain; its pictures are not copied (many are licensed stock).

Nobody has written it yet — it is the source material at a new address, which is why search engines are asked to skip it and why no one earns from it. It is up for grabs: take it on, and it is yours to rewrite and to earn from.