About cholesterol

• Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. Your body needs a small amount of cholesterol to function properly.
• Cholesterol is used to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods.
• Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs, but it is also found in some of the foods you eat.

The two kinds of cholesterol: good and bad

• Cholesterol is carried in the body by lipoproteins, small packages made of fat (lipid) on the inside and proteins on the outside.
• Two kinds of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout your body: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
• HDL cholesterol is sometimes called "good cholesterol" because it help s remove cholesterol from your body. The higher your HDL cholesterol level, the lower your chance of getting heart disease.
• LDL cholesterol is sometimes called "bad cholesterol", because the LDL cholesterol builds up in the arteries. The higher your level of LDL cholesterol, the greater your chance of heart disease.

Cholesterol dangers

• Cholesterol builds up on the walls of the arteries and forms a layer of plaque. Over time, this causes a narrowing and hardening of the arteries known as atherosclerosis.
• Atherosclerosis can lead to heart disease and other serious health complications.
• Cholesterol levels are easy to test. If you're over 20, see a doctor or health professional to have your cholesterol checked at least once every 5 years.
• You can also get your cholesterol levels checked at one of our free health events. These local health fairs offer screening for cholesterol, blood pressure, and other important health measures.

Lowering your cholesterol

• Keep your diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Check food labels and look for items low in saturated fat.
• Select lean cuts of meat and trim all visible fat before cooking. Keep your serving sizes moderate, and eat more lower-fat foods, especially vegetables and fruit.
• Try cooking methods that require little or no fat, like boiling or baking.
• Replace the saturated fats in your diet with healthier substitutes. Instead of butter, lard, bacon, bacon grease or chicken fat, use olive oil, vegetable oil or margarine.
• Get regular exercise, and lose weight if you are overweight. Even half an hour of walking each day can improve your health and lower your chances of heart disease.
• If your cholesterol is very high, talk to your doctor about medications that can help lower it.