- Cholesterol is a substance that's found in the fats (lipids) in your blood.
Your body needs cholesterol, but high amounts can be very bad for the body causing harm.
Your body needs cholesterol, but high amounts can be very bad for the body causing harm.
- High risk: 240 mg/dL and above
- Borderline high risk: 200-239 mg/dL
- Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL
- Intake of unsaturated, saturated, and trans fats affect cholesterol levels and overall health poorly because it raises cholesterol levels causing your overall health to be worse. High cholesterol levels can lead to a development of fatty deposits in your blood vessels which make it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries, and increases risk of complications such as a heart attack and heart disease.
- High cholesterol can be inherited but is often the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices. It is preventable if you make healthy decisions and can also be treated with the right medications. Maintaining a healthy weight, a healthy low-fat diet, and getting exercise and medication is a good way to reduce high cholesterol.