The Basics of Cholesterol Have you been diagnosed with high
cholesterol? Is lowering your cholesterol a goal? The first step
is to find out: What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-
like substance made in the liver and other cells and found in
certain foods, such as food from animals, like dairy products,
eggs, and meat. The body needs some cholesterol in order to
function properly. Its cell walls, or membranes, need
cholesterol in order to produce hormones, vitamin D, and the
bile acids that help to digest fat. But the body needs only a
limited amount of cholesterol to meet its needs. When too much
is present health problems such as heart disease may develop.
Cholesterol and Heart Disease When too much cholesterol is
present, plaque (a thick, hard deposit) may form in the body's
arteries narrowing the space for blood to flow to the heart.
Over time, this buildup causes atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries) which can lead to heart disease. When not enough
oxygen-carrying blood reaches the heart c