Cholesterol is made in the liver and is also found in some foods, such as meat, eggs, and dairy products. When you eat foods that contain cholesterol, it is absorbed into your bloodstream and transported to your cells.
There are two types of cholesterol:
* Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called "bad cholesterol," can build up in the arteries and cause them to become narrow. This can lead to heart disease and stroke.
* High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often called "good cholesterol," helps to remove cholesterol from the arteries and transport it back to the liver. This helps to keep the arteries clear and reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.
The recommended level of total cholesterol in the blood is less than 200 mg/dL. LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dL, and HDL cholesterol should be at least 40 mg/dL.
There are a number of things you can do to lower your cholesterol levels, such as:
* Eating a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also includes lean protein and low-fat dairy products.
* Getting regular exercise. Exercise helps to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol.
* Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of high cholesterol.
* Quitting smoking. Smoking damages the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
* Managing your blood pressure. High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe medication to help lower your cholesterol levels.
