What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat), found in the blood, which our body needs.
The body gets cholesterol in two ways:
- from the liver
- by eating animal food products
Types of cholesterol
There are three types of cholesterol.
- Low density lipoproteins (LDL): the “bad cholesterol”
- High density lipoproteins (HDL): the “good cholesterol”
- Triglycerides: a form of fat carried in the blood that contributes to the fat that is stored in the body’s tissues. High-fat foods, sugar and alcohol contribute to high levels of triglycerides.
Desirable cholesterol levels
- Total cholesterol: Less than 4.5 mmol/L
- HDL cholesterol: Greater than 1.0 mmol/L
- LDL cholesterol: Less than 2.0 mmol/L or a 50% reduction
- Triglycerides: Less than 1.7 mmol/L
- Total Cholesterol to HDL Cholesterol Ratio: Less than 4.0
Why is Cholesterol a Risk Factor?
Too much LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque formation (build-up) in the coronary arteries. LDL acts like a “dump truck”, depositing LDL cholesterol into the arteries and causing blockages. A blockage makes it difficult for blood to pass through the vessels. Blockages can lead to a heart attack.
Learn what happens during a heart attack »
Low levels of HDL cholesterol also increase the risk for heart disease. HDL cholesterol acts like a “garbage truck”, taking LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and eliminating it through the liver.
High levels of triglycerides increase the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease.
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