High cholesterol has no signs or symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is to get your cholesterol checked.
What is Cholesterol?
Physically, cholesterol is a waxy substance made by your liver. It’s not inherently “bad.” In fact, your body needs it to build cells. But too much cholesterol can pose a problem. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need, and the remainder of the cholesterol in your body comes from foods from animals. For example, meat, poultry, and dairy products all contain dietary cholesterol. Cholesterol circulates in your blood. As the amount of cholesterol in your blood increases, so does the risk to your health. High cholesterol contributes to a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. That’s why it’s important to have your cholesterol tested, so you can know your levels. HDL Cholesterol - Good HDL cholesterol can be thought of as the “good” cholesterol because a healthy level may protect against heart attack and stroke. LDL Cholesterol - Bad LDL cholesterol is considered the “bad” cholesterol because it contributes to fatty buildups in arteries. This narrows the arteries and increases the risk for heart attack and stroke. |