Cholesterol is an important biological molecule that makes up part of your cell membranes and also serves as a hormone precursor. Cholesterol is characterized as a fatty, waxy substance that is naturally synthesized by your liver. Fatty foods, especially meats and animal-based products, like dairy and eggs, are also significant contributors to your overall cholesterol levels. There are two major types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein, the "bad" cholesterol. An unhealthy balance of...
Your doctor may schedule you for a blood test to measure your cholesterol levels if you have risk factors like a family history of heart disease, diabetes, smoking or high blood pressure. Cholesterol tests require dietary restr...
Over time, this can cause arterial hardening, heart attack, stroke and coronary heart disease. If you suffer from high cholesterol, you are at a higher risk of developing these associated conditions. Checking your heart rate si...
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute initiated the National Cholesterol Education program in November, 1985 to inform people of the dangers of high cholesterol, as well as provide affordable screenings to people through...
More than 35 million Americans have cholesterol levels high enough to put them at significant risk for cardiovascular disease. You may need to watch what you eat before a cholesterol check because some components of a standard ...
Cholesterol is a waxy fat found in your bloodstream. While a certain amount of cholesterol is necessary for health, too much cholesterol, especially too much of the wrong kind of cholesterol, can increase your likelihood of hav...
deaths are from heart disease. One tool to help fight heart disease is being aware of your cholesterol levels. There are several methods of testing your cholesterol; pick one that suits you. Checking your cholesterol and know...