More than 100 million American adults suffer from high cholesterol, according to the American Heart Association, with more than 35 million at high risk for coronary disease. High cholesterol can create a blockage and hardening of the arteries that...
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that the body naturally produces. However, if you get too much from your diet (high-fat foods and animal products) or your body naturally produces more than it can use, cholesterol builds up in the blood. Too...
Your body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to function properly. However, high overall levels or an unhealthy ratio of low-density lipoprotein -- the so-called bad cholesterol -- to high-density lipoprotein can significantly increase your...
Cholesterol is a type of lipid or fat-like substance found in all parts of your body. It is required for the formation of cell membranes, hormones and vitamin D. However, excess cholesterol in your blood seems to speed up atherosclerosis or plaque...
Cholesterol is manufactured by the liver and stored in cells to be used for a variety of purposes, such as the production of vitamin D and certain hormones. However, an elevated level of low-density lipoproteins, or LDL cholesterol, is associated...
High levels of low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol increase your risk of medical conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke, according to the American Heart Association. Your body produces all the LDL or "bad"...
If you're one of the 98 million Americans who have high cholesterol, you've probably made a decision to starting making changes in your diet and lifestyle. Although you can take medications to lower your LDL and raise your HDL cholesterol,...
High cholesterol levels have become a high-profile health issue in recent years, mainly due to the incidence of obesity and heart disease in the United States especially. According to the American Heart Association, over 35 million Americans have...
Though the word cholesterol has negative connotations attached to it, the American Heart Association reports that cholesterol is actually used by our bodies in a healthful way. The key is to differentiate between the two types; HDL is considered...
Failure to acknowledge and address chronic health conditions like high cholesterol and blood sugar will eventually lead to more serious complications including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While there are some genetic...
According to Discovery Health, changes in dietary habits and lifestyle are important ways of controlling your cholesterol. You should avoid saturated and trans fats, eat more whole grains and vegetables, give up smoking and step up exercise. While...
Triglycerides, a form of fat, are found in food and manufactured and stored in fat in the body. Eating food provides energy. When energy needs are met, food breaks down into triglycerides and is stored in fat cells to be used when needed. Eating...
Bad cholesterol, also called low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is a substance that helps transport lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides through the blood. It is called "bad" because LDL is involved in atherosclerosis, the formation of plaques,...
Including garlic and lemon in your diet is a simple, low-cost way to improve your health. You may not realize it, but these foods are more than just flavor enhancements for your favorite dishes. Garlic and lemon may be able to lower cholesterol...
High cholesterol can contribute to blockages in the arteries and blood vessels, which can result in life-threatening heart problems such as strokes and heart attacks, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for...
High cholesterol, medically known as hypercholesterolemia, is a dangerous health condition that raises the risk of developing heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. While some people inherit high cholesterol, most develop the condition by...
Cholesterol-reducing medications can be highly effective but they can also cause a number of serious side effects. According to MayoClinic.com, these can include muscle pain, possible liver damage, digestive problems, rashes and neurological side...
High blood cholesterol can increase your risk of arterial disease, stroke, heart attack and coronary heart disease. Despite the body's need for this compound, in excess, it does much more harm than good. Although the primary course of treatment...
A number of medications, including statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors and bile acid sequestrants, can be used to lower cholesterol. Cholesterol-lowering medications can cause a number of side effects, however, so many people try to avoid...
While dangerously high cholesterol numbers may warrant a prescription from your doctor, chances are you can lower your cholesterol the natural way. Regular exercise and healthier eating habits are essential and the first step in improving your...
According to the National Institutes of Health, cholesterol is a fatty substance in the blood that is necessary for regulation of hormones, vitamin D, and digestion. However, if you have too much cholesterol, it can build up on the walls of your...
Cholesterol is comprised of two types, LDL and HDL. The LDL, also named "bad" cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein, is the portion of your cholesterol that sticks to artery walls. This can cause restricted blood flow to the heart and brain,...
High cholesterol leads to blockages in the arteries, particularly the arteries that feed the heart muscle. If these cholesterol blockages become too obstructive, a heart attack can occur. Having high cholesterol does not necessarily mean you must...
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of both men and women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. High blood cholesterol levels increase your risk of coronary heart disease. Making changes to your diet and lifestyle may...
LDL -- low-density lipoprotein -- is commonly known as bad cholesterol. LDL builds up along the walls of your arteries increasing your risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. While a number of cholesterol-lowering medications are available...
Your cholesterol is broken into two different types. Bad cholesterol, known as LDL or low-density lipoprotein, is the type of cholesterol that clings to artery walls causing build-up and narrowing of the arteries. Good cholesterol, also known as...
Cholesterol and triglycerides vary slightly from one another, even though both contribute to heart disease when their levels are high. Cholesterol, in healthy amounts of 129 mg/dL or less, helps build cells and produce hormones. Triglycerides,...
When your cholesterol is too high, a waxy substance called plaque builds up on the inside walls of your arteries -- a condition called arteriosclerosis. This sticky, fatty plaque impedes blood flow to your heart and raises your risk of heart...
If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend several treatment options, like prescription cholesterol medications, supplements and lifestyle changes. The latter can put a substantial dent in your cholesterol level, according to...
