Cholesterol, a soft, waxy substance found in cells of the body, travels through the bloodstream to help produce hormones, vitamin D and digestive substances, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The body makes the cholesterol it needs but gets extra cholesterol through foods. Too much cholesterol can accumulate in the blood vessels and interfere with blood flow to the heart, resulting in heart disease.
Excess Cholesterol
Excess low-density lipoprotein cholesterol can form plaques on the inner walls of the arteries. This buildup from LDL, or "bad," cholesterol narrows the arteries and slows down the flow of blood. Heart disease can develop. In severe cases, the plaques in the arteries can burst and completely block blood flow. Blockage of blood to the heart can cause heart attack. Blocking blood flow to the brain can lead to stroke.
Healthy Cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol acts as the "good" cholesterol by cleaning up excess LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream and bringing it to the liver, which treats it as waste. High levels of HDL cholesterol protect the body from heart disease. High levels of LDL cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease.
Preventive Action
The body makes about 75 percent of blood cholesterol while the other 25 percent comes from foods, according to the American Heart Association. Some people, however, inherit the tendency toward high cholesterol and need to pay special attention to their health. High cholesterol has no symptoms until heart disease makes itself known through conditions such as angina. You need regular checkups to know your cholesterol levels and take precautions if your LDL and total cholesterol levels are too high.
Dietary Benefits
Avoiding saturated and trans fats, which raise LDL cholesterol, protects you from heart disease, MayoClinic.com notes. Sources of saturated fats include beef, dairy products and coconut and palm oils. Choose lean meats, poultry without skin, and fish for your diet. Use olive or canola oils, high in healthy monounsaturated fat, when preparing foods. Low-fat or fat-free dairy foods can replace whole-milk dairy products. Trans fats also lower healthy HDL cholesterol. Some deep-fried fast foods, bakery products and packaged snack foods contain trans fats. Check labels when buying foods to avoid trans fats. Adding fruits, vegetables and whole grains in a heart-healthy diet help reduce unhealthy cholesterol.
Exercise
Regular physical activity increases HDL cholesterol. Aerobic exercise, walking or bike riding at least 30 minutes a day most days of the week can improve cholesterol levels. Even gardening, housework and taking the stairs whenever possible can provide benefits to avoid heart disease. MayoClinic.com says breaking up sessions into 10-minute intervals during the day can help.
