High Cholesterol

Unhealthy levels of cholesterol can lead to a condition called high blood cholesterol. Cholesterol in your blood is carried on lipoproteins: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), sometimes called “good” cholesterol.

High levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol cause plaque (fatty deposits) to build up in the blood vessels. This may lead to heart attack, stroke, or other health problems. High levels of “good” HDL cholesterol may actually lower your risk for health problems. HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol and plaque buildup from your arteries to the liver, so it can be flushed out of the body.

To learn more about high cholesterol, please visit the links in the menu on the left. There you will find detailed information about various diagnoses and their causes and risk factors, as well as prevention, screening and treatment options.