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Cholesterol

• The role of cholesterol in the body
  Cholesterol is used to make the building blocks of the body (cells) and hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that help the body's cells communicate.
• The liver makes about 80% of the body's cholesterol. The rest comes from our diet. Many foods contain small amounts of cholesterol. But most of the cholesterol in our diet comes from saturated fats. That's why it is important to look not only at cholesterol levels in foods, but also at how much saturated fat they contain.
• Types of cholesterol
  There are several different types of cholesterol:
• LDL (low-density lipoprotein): LDL is also known as the "bad cholesterol." When there is too much LDL in the blood, it builds up on the inside of the blood vessel walls, making it more difficult for blood to flow freely. This increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  HDL (high-density lipoprotein): HDL is also known as the "good cholesterol." HDL helps clear LDL away from blood vessel walls, decreasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein): VLDL is made in the liver. It is changed into LDL in the blood.
  TC (total cholesterol) refers to the total amount of LDL, HDL, and VLDL added together.
• Triglycerides (TG) are not the same thing as cholesterol. They are another type of fat often found in the body. TG are tested at the same time as cholesterol. TG make the blood more likely to clot. This can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. TG can also lower the levels of HDL.