When it comes to concerns about cholesterol, many get the misconception that only those who are obese are prone to health problems. That couldn’t be further from the truth. People of all ages and sizes should recognize the risks involved with the health and food choices they make each day. Cholesterol is one of the most important healthcare topics you should know about.

So what exactly is cholesterol? The unattractive truth is that cholesterol appears as a waxy, fat-like substance that is created and produced in the liver. Cholesterol also appears in foods such as milk and eggs. Despite the negative tone that often follows the word “cholesterol,” the human body needs it to function. Cholesterol is important in the production of hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that digest fat.

While there are several different types of cholesterol, the two most common forms are low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is known as bad cholesterol because it causes the buildup of plaque on the artery walls. When this happens, the odds for developing heart disease increase. HDL is known as good cholesterol because it works to combat and eliminate the bad cholesterol.

However, as the saying goes, too much of anything can be bad for you. In this case, having too much cholesterol in your system can cause a number of health problems to occur. Because the body only needs a small amount of cholesterol to satisfy its needs, it is vital that you monitor your cholesterol intake. Coronary heart disease is associated with those who have high cholesterol. When LDLs create plaque buildup on the artery walls, this restricts the flow of blood to the heart. Over time, the plaque can grow thicker and eventually block the artery completely. When that happens, the blood supply is cut off, resulting in a heart attack.

There are a number of factors that can affect your cholesterol: weight, diet, diabetes, heredity, age, gender, and exercise. If you’re concerned about your cholesterol level, see your doctor. Tests can be done to help you find out where your cholesterol level stands and if you are at risk for heart disease. It is recommended that those who are over age 20 should get their cholesterol levels checked out at least once every five years. As a general rule of thumb, doctors say your cholesterol level should stay below 200 - less than 200 is better but if your cholesterol level is more than 240, you’re in trouble.

If you happen to be at risk, the best steps to take in order to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease include eating foods that are low in cholesterol, taking the proper medication prescribed by your doctor (Niacin, Statins, Bile-acid resins, fibric acid derivatives), moderate exercise and not smoking.

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