Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the fats of the blood. It is important for the development of cell membranes, nerve tissues and certain hormones.

When cholesterol levels become too high, an individual is at risk for atherosclerosis (build up of plaque along artery walls causing narrowing that decreases blood flow and makes blood circulation more difficult). Atherosclerosis causes blockages in the arteries which may result in a heart attack, angina or a stroke.

High cholesterol:

can affect people of a healthy body weight
can be associated with family genetics and lifestyle factors
is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke

By lowering your cholesterol, you can dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease. Although diet affects cholesterol levels, high cholesterol does not just come from the food you eat, in fact an estimated 80 percent of cholesterol comes from your liver.


There are two main types of cholesterol: Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-density Lipoprotein (HDL).


LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, promotes the build up of plaque in artery walls. HDL, the “good” cholesterol, helps carry LDL cholesterol away from artery walls. Triglycerides, not a type of cholesterol but a type of fat your body uses for energy, are often associated with cholesterol and testing for both is usually done at the same time.


Making sense of the numbers
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada recommends cholesterol testing if:

you are male and over 40
you are female and over 50 or post-menopausal
you have heart disease, stroke, diabetes or high blood pressure
your waist measures more than 102 centimeters (40 inches) for men or 88 centimeters (35 inches) for women
you have a family history of heart disease or stroke.

http://www.asebp.ab.ca/cholesterol.html