The facts from Cholesterol

Cholesterol travels in the blood in packages called lipoproteins, which consist of cholesterol (fat) and protein. Cholesterol packaged in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called "bad" cholesterol, because too much LDL in the blood can lead to cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries. LDL carries most of the cholesterol in the blood.

Another type of cholesterol package is high-density lipoprotein (HDL), often called "good" cholesterol. That is because HDL cholesterol helps transport cholesterol to the liver, which removes it from the body, preventing build up in the arteries.

A third type of lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein (vLDL), transports triglycerides in the blood; high levels of vLDL and triglycerides have been linked to increased risk of heart disease.

All women should begin blood cholesterol testing at age 20, with testing repeated at least every five years, more frequently if there are other risk factors for heart disease.

An LDL cholesterol level of less than 100 mg/dL is considered optimal.

A healthy diet, healthy weight and regular exercise can all protect against heart disease and high cholesterol levels, while your age (over 55 for women) and family history may increase your risk of heart disease and high cholesterol.

If there is too much cholesterol in your bloodstream, it builds up in the form of plaque on the walls of your arteries, narrowing them and eventually blocking them and reducing the blood flow to your heart. This process increases your risk of a heart attack.

Reducing your intake of high-cholesterol food lowers your risk of heart disease, but it has less impact on blood cholesterol levels than cutting back on saturated and trans fats. Some people with high cholesterol levels do not respond to changes in diet, however. They will need medication.

A desirable total cholesterol level for adults without heart disease is less than 200 mg/dL. An HDL cholesterol level of 60 mg/dL and above is considered protective against heart disease, while a level less than 40 mg/dL is considered a major risk factor for heart disease, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

If you have heart disease, an LDL level (the "bad" cholesterol) above 100 mg/dL is considered high and you and your health care professional should identify steps to bring your LDL-cholesterol level into a desirable range, including exercise, diet changes and medication