Vascular Disease Vascular Disease Basics

Your Cholesterol Questions

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty, wax-like substance found in the cells of your body and blood. It comes from your diet and is also produced by the body. Total cholesterol in the blood includes various components including HDL, LDL and triglycerides. Cholesterol has an important role in the overall healthy functioning of the body. The body needs the right level of cholesterol to function properly, but too high levels of cholesterol increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

What is hypercholesterolemia?
Hypercholesterolemia is the medical term for high cholesterol. High cholesterol is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and stroke.

What is HDL?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as the "good" cholesterol because it is believed to have protective properties against heart attack. Some medical experts believe there are two major roles of HDL:

1. HDL carries cholesterol away from the blood vessels and back to the liver so the liver can eliminate it from the body.
2. HDL removes the excess buildup of cholesterol from arterial plaque.

What is arterial plaque or atherosclerotic plaque?
Atherosclerotic plaques are mostly made up of cholesterol and calcium. These plaques deposit on the inside wall of the artery. The buildup of plaque can reduce blood flow and eventually a complete blockage can occur, either from the plaque itself or due to rupture of the plaque, with collection of a blood clot on top of the plaque.

Depending on the blood vessels involved, this process can cause a stroke, heart attack or PAD. If PAD occurs during this process, it can result in decreased function or loss of function in other organs of the body, or an arm or leg.

What is LDL?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as the "bad" cholesterol because it plays a role in the development of atherosclerotic plaques. High LDL levels are the main target of cholesterol-lowering therapies and lifestyle changes. If you have a high LDL on your blood test (>100 mg/dl), it will increase your risk for coronary heart disease, vascular disease and stroke. Current guidelines recommend lowering LDL more aggressively in patients with more risk factors or known atherosclerotic plaque.

What is triglyceride?
Triglyceride is a form of fat made in the body. There are various factors that can cause high levels of triglyceride, including obesity, diabetes, decreased physical activity, cigarette smoking and excess consumption of alcohol.

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