Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is used to help build cells and make vitamins and other hormones in the body.

There are two types of cholesterol:

  • one is carried by high density lipoprotein particles (HDL). HDL cholesterol is often referred to as “good” cholesterol because HDL transports excess cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver to be eliminated.
  • the other is carried by low density lipoprotein particles (LDL). LDL is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because LDL transports cholesterol throughout the body and deposits it onto the arteries. This results in the narrowing or hardening of the arteries which leads to atherosclerosis (the build-up of plaque on artery walls).

Triglycerides are another type of fat found in the body. It is the most common form of fat and helps the body to store excess energy from a meal.

A typical clinical assessment of cholesterol includes measures of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Find more information in our Cholesterol Handout.

Read our blog post When Should I Start to Worry About My Cholesterol?