02/23/2026
During your annual physical, it’s likely that you’ve had your cholesterol checked. But do you know what it is and why it matters?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to build healthy cells and produce certain hormones. It comes from two sources: your liver, which makes all the cholesterol you need, and from animal-based foods like meat, dairy, and eggs.
Cholesterol isn’t harmful unless there are excessive amounts in the body. High cholesterol can form plaque on the inner walls of arteries, which can narrow and stiffen the arteries over time. This makes it harder for blood to flow and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cholesterol is measured through a blood test that shows the levels of different types of cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, often is referred to as the “bad” cholesterol because high levels of it contribute to plaque buildup. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as “good” cholesterol because it helps to remove cholesterol from the bloodstream and carry it back to the liver. Here, it’s broken down and removed from the body, which can help prevent buildup in the walls of blood vessels and reduce the risk of plaque formation.
Once you know your cholesterol levels, you can work with your physician to control it if necessary.
