High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is the presence of too many fatty deposits in the blood. Cholesterol is found in blood and it is needed to build healthy cells, but too much cholesterol can build up in the arteries, hardening and narrowing them and making it harder for enough oxygen-rich blood to reach the heart. If the heart doesn't receive enough blood and oxygen, it can cause chest pain, but if the supply to a portion of the heart is blocked, it causes a heart attack. High cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms. It can be inherited, but it usually is a result of poor lifestyle choices. It is preventable and treatable with a healthy diet and regular exercise, and some can benefit from medication designed to lower cholesterol. Having cholesterol levels checked every five years is important. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL is the bad type that builds up in the arteries, and HDL is the good type, which actually helps prevent cholesterol from building up in the arteries. Cholesterol levels also include triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood.