Cholesterol
Definition
A waxy, fat-like substance found in the blood that is essential for building cells but can increase heart disease risk at elevated levels.
Cholesterol is a lipid molecule that plays vital roles in cell membrane structure, hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and bile acid production for digestion. Your liver produces all the cholesterol your body needs, while additional cholesterol comes from animal-based foods.
Total cholesterol is broken into HDL (high-density lipoprotein, the 'good' cholesterol), LDL (low-density lipoprotein, the 'bad' cholesterol), and triglycerides. Desirable levels are total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL, LDL below 100 mg/dL, HDL above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.
High LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle modifications including regular exercise, a diet rich in fiber and healthy fats, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking can significantly improve cholesterol levels.
Related Calculators
Related Terms
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
healthThe 'good' cholesterol that helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease.
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
healthThe 'bad' cholesterol that can build up in artery walls, forming plaque that narrows and hardens arteries, increasing heart disease risk.
Saturated Fat
healthA type of dietary fat with no double bonds in its carbon chain, found primarily in animal products and some tropical oils, linked to increased LDL cholesterol.
Trans Fat
healthAn artificial type of fat created through hydrogenation that raises LDL cholesterol and lowers HDL cholesterol, significantly increasing heart disease risk.
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