Understanding High Cholesterol - And How To Lower Cholesterol

Atherosclerosis is the disease process that causes hardening and narrowing of arteries. One of the risk factors for atherosclerosis is a high blood level of cholesterol, a form of fat that becomes deposited on the artery wall forming a plaque.

Cholesterol is a rather complex subject. There are different kinds of this substance, classified based on density.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol

LDL is the most dangerous form, and is responsible for atherosclerotic plaque formation and growth. Intermediate density (IDL) and Very low density (VLDL) lipoproteins are also other harmful forms, and are made up of varying combinations of cholesterol and triglycerides.

High density lipoprotein (HDL)

HDL, on the other hand, is a beneficial form that actually carries cholesterol away from the plaque to the liver. A higher level of HDL cholesterol, therefore, protects you from atherosclerosis. That is why it is sometimes called "good" cholesterol.

Monitoring Serum Cholesterol

With the increasing awareness of the role that serum cholesterol levels play in causing heart disease, a routine enquiry into dietary habits has become a part of most medical physical examinations. The AHA recommends that

* total and HDL cholesterol levels be measured in all adults over 20 years of age * positive and negative risk factors for heart disease be evaluated at least every five years.