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Why Is Cholesterol Important?

Even with all the discussion about cholesterol's health effects, few people know what cholesterol actually is and why your body produces it. It might also be unclear that cholesterol comes in different types, and these types have different effects on the body. Keeping cholesterol levels regulated can make a difference between a healthy life and one crippled or even ended by heart attack or stroke.

  1. Purpose

    • Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in your bloodstream and cells. Cholesterol isn't all evil. In fact, your body needs cholesterol to function. Without cholesterol, the body wouldn't be able to make cell membranes or produce certain hormones. In fact, your body naturally produces most of the cholesterol you use--up to 75%. The other 25% comes from the food you eat.

    Effects

    • Cholesterol is bad in excess. When your body contains too much cholesterol, waxy build-up forms in the arteries. This build-up can harden the artery walls, creating a plaque and causing a condition called atherosclerosis. Eventually these cholesterol plaques can impede or even totally block blood flow. Excess cholesterol is linked to many cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke.

    Types

    • Cholesterol comes in two different types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is "bad" cholesterol. It is the type of cholesterol that forms the plaques that cause atherosclerosis. HDL cholesterol is "good" cholesterol. Scientists think that HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol build-up. You want a high HDL cholesterol level and a low LDL cholesterol level. Most cholesterol tests will show your levels of both HDL and LDL cholesterol.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • Even though your body makes a lot of cholesterol, changing your diet can help cut your LDL cholesterol levels. Foods that contain high amounts of saturated fat and trans fats may raise cholesterol levels, so cutting them from your diet is a good idea. Replace these foods with leaner meats and foods high in fiber, like vegetables and whole grain products. Exercising and staying away from tobacco can also help lower LDL cholesterol levels.

    Medication

    • It's not always possible to get your cholesterol levels in the right spot through lifestyle changes alone. Some people may be genetically predisposed to high LDL cholesterol levels. In these cases, cholesterol-cutting medication can help. Statins can cut LDL cholesterol levels and raise HDL cholesterol levels. They actually stop your body from making cholesterol. Other drugs, such as selective cholesterol absorption inhibitors and resins, keep your body from absorbing cholesterol. Fibrates can increase HDL levels. Prescription-strength niacin is also given to regulate cholesterol levels.

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