These high levels are undesirable because it is difficult for our bodies to appropriately dispose of excess cholesterol. Excess cholesterol has a tendency to deposit into the walls of our arteries, particularly the arteries that lead to our hearts (or coronary arteries). It is these deposits that lead to development of "hardening of the arteries," or atherosclerosis.
Once there is a large amount of plaque on the interior surface of the vessels, it tends to cause obstruction or narrowing of the vessel. Plaque can also rupture, releasing the cholesterol that has been stored in the vessel. At the site of such rupture clots may form that can cause a heart attack or a stroke. Due to the narrowing of vessels that lead to the heart a lack of oxygen may cause chest pain. When the arteries leading to the brain are interrupted even temporarily, neurologic symptoms may occur.
The difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol
Cholesterol does not travel freely in the bloodstream. It is carried through the blood by particles called lipoproteins. Cholesterol behaves differently depending on which type of lipoprotein carries it. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) deposit excess cholesterol on the artery linings (LDL cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol), and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) remove excess cholesterol from the blood (HDL cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol). Triglycerides are another type of substance closely related to cholesterol. They are mostly carried throughout the bloodstream by particles called chylomicrons or very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs). While less is known about triglycerides, in general, there is some evidence to suggest that they are a particularly important cause of coronary artery disease among women and people with other risk factors such as diabetes and obesity.
According to the guidelines of the NHLBI's National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), everyone age 20 and older should have their cholesterol and triglyceride levels measured at least once every five years. This blood test is done after a nine- to 14-hour fast and provides information about your total cholesterol (TC), LDL and HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. If your total blood cholesterol is 200 milligrams (mg) per deciliter (dL) or more, or if your HDL level is less than 40 mg/dL, you should talk to your doctor about ways to lower your cholesterol, which may include changing your diet, increasing exercise, or medication.
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