Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is found in your blood. The two main types are

 

 

 

 

 

LDL cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is often called "bad cholesterol." It is carried in the blood by molecules called low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). A high level of LDL cholesterol places you at risk for heart disease and atherosclerosis.

 

 

 

 

 

low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (or LDL for short) and

 

 

 

 

 

HDL cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood. You can get it from food and it is also made by the liver. Having a lot of cholesterol in your blood can cause health problems. But HDL cholesterol is sometimes called 'good' cholesterol, because it may lower the risk of heart disease. HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein.

 

 

 

 

 

high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (or HDL). LDL cholesterol is sometimes called "bad" cholesterol. If you have high levels of it in your blood you have a higher risk of getting heart disease and having a heart attack. HDL cholesterol is often called "good" cholesterol. It removes LDL cholesterol from your blood. This keeps you from getting heart disease.

Your cholesterol level is affected by what you eat and how much you exercise. It's also affected by whether heart disease and heart attacks run in your family and whether you smoke. If you have a high level of LDL cholesterol, talk to your doctor about how you can lower it. To find out more, see our article on High cholesterol.

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