Properties of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance similar to fat that the human body produces. It's found in the bloodstream and every cell, as well as certain foods. The body requires cholesterol to create healthy cells and certain hormones.

General Properties

• Because cholesterol is incapable of dissolving in blood, lipoproteins function as carriers to move it in and out of cells. Cholesterol includes low-density and high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol.

Low-Density Lipoprotein

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered bad cholesterol. Excessive amounts of LDL can accumulate on artery walls, forming a thick plaque that produces hardened, inflexible, narrow arteries (atherosclerosis) and a greater risk of a heart attack and stroke.

High-Density Lipoprotein

• High-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered good cholesterol. While high levels appear to prevent arterial blockages and heart disease, low HDL levels seem to cause arterial clogging and heart disease.

Triglycerides

• A high triglyceride level frequently coincides with a high overall cholesterol level, a high LDL level, a low HDL level, heart disease and diabetes. Factors that elevate triglycerides include excessive carbohydrate consumption, excessive drinking, obesity and smoking.

Lp(a) Cholesterol

• Lp(a) is a genetic variant of LDL suspected of aiding the accumulation of fatty substances along artery walls. High Lp(a) levels increase the risk of premature fat-like deposits inside arteries.