Health Information Center

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is produced by your body and is also found in foods that come from animal sources (meat, milk products, eggs, poultry, and fish). Your body’s cells need cholesterol to function properly. However, excess cholesterol in the blood can build up inside your arteries (atherosclerosis), causing them to narrow. Atherosclerosis is the starting point for most heart and circulation problems.

Good and Bad Cholesterol

Cholesterol travels through your bloodstream attached to protein, in a combination called a lipoprotein. Two lipoproteins are the main carriers of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). High-density lipoproteins contain more protein than they do fat. Continue reading ‘High Cholesterol in Old Age’ »

Contrary to what others believe, cholesterol is not totally bad for the body. In fact it is an essential part of cell membranes to facilitate proper membrane fluidity and permeability. It is also needed to initiate biosynthesis of steroid hormones, bile acids and other fat soluble vitamins. However, cholesterol is something that can’t be dissolved in blood. It needs to be taken to and from the cells through carriers called lipoproteins. These carriers are made up of both proteins and lipids. Bad cholesterol comes from low-density lipoprotein or LDL. Good cholesterol on the other hand is also called high-density lipoprotein or HDL. These lipids, together with triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol comprises over-all cholesterol count determined by going through a blood test.

Continue reading ‘All You Need To Know About LDL and HDL Cholesterol’ »