Give me a short note about cholesterol
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cholesterol overview LDL HDL triglycerides CDC
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance needed to build cell membranes, make steroid hormones, and produce bile acids for digestion. The liver makes most cholesterol; the rest comes from animal-based foods.
It travels in blood bound to lipoproteins:
- LDL cholesterol: often called “bad” cholesterol. Excess LDL can enter artery walls and form plaque, increasing the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
- HDL cholesterol: often called “good” cholesterol because it helps carry cholesterol away from tissues to the liver for removal.
- Triglycerides: a different blood fat used for energy. High triglycerides, particularly with high LDL or low HDL, add to cardiovascular risk.
A lipid profile measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. High cholesterol commonly causes no symptoms, so blood testing is needed. Prevention and management include a diet lower in saturated and trans fats, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and medicines such as statins when a clinician assesses that they are indicated. The CDC cholesterol overview lists commonly used reference targets, including LDL around 100 mg/dL and triglycerides below 150 mg/dL for many adults.
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