Cholesterol is a substance that a normal person makes in their body every day. Many parts of the body, such as your brain and your adrenal glands depend or cholesterol for their proper function. If the body makes too much cholesterol, it can build up in places where it is harmful. One place where cholesterol causes trouble if it builds up is in the walls of blood vessels. This can make the vessel brittle or can block the flow of blood.

Some people have unusually high levels of cholesterol in their blood. These people have a higher than average chance of having heart attacks and strokes. The heart attacks are caused by blockages in the blood vessels, or arteries, that nourish the heart muscle. The strokes are often caused when small blood vessels in the brain leak. People who have too much cholesterol in their blood can reduce the chances of having a heart attack or stroke by lowering their cholesterol.

You and your family should ask your doctor to check your cholesterol levels. Unless your level is high, you do not need to repeat this test very often. Total blood cholesterol is the most common test. It is the number you receive as test results. Knowing your total blood cholesterol level is an important first step in determining your risk for heart disease or stroke. However, a critical second step is knowing your HDL or "good" cholesterol level.

Blood cholesterol for adults is classified by levels. Your doctor must interpret your cholesterol numbers based on other risk factors. If you are a smoker or have high blood pressure, for example, your risk of having problems with cholesterol is much greater.

If your blood cholesterol level requires treatment, your doctor will probably ask you to change your diet first. The Heart Association suggests that less than 30 percent of your total calories should come from fat. Less than 10 percent of your total calories should come from saturated fats, such as those in butter and meat. No matter why you have high blood cholesterol, changing your eating habits may help reduce it.

Small groups of people are not able to lower their blood cholesterol level with changing their diet; however, the diet may prevent it from rising. These people may need treatment with drugs. To learn more call your local American Heart Association office or (800) 242-8721.

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