Get answers to your heart disease prevention questions. An in-
depth report on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of
unhealthy cholesterol levels. Hypercholesterolemia; LDL; HDL;
Triglycerides Lipids are the building blocks of the fats and
fatty substances found in animals and plants. They are
microscopic layered spheres of oil, which, in animals, are
composed mainly of cholesterol, triglycerides, proteins (called
lipoproteins), and phospholipids (molecules made up of
phosphoric acid, fatty acids, and nitrogen). Lipids do not
dissolve in water and are stored in the body to serve as sources
of energy. Cholesterol is present in all animal cells and in
animal-based foods (not in plants). In spite of its bad press,
cholesterol is an essential nutrient necessary for many
functions, including: Regardless of these benefits, when
cholesterol levels rise in the blood, they can have dangerous
consequences, depending on the type of cholesterol. Although the
body acquires some cholesterol through diet, about two-thi