Cholesterol can't dissolve in blood. So in order for cholesterol to move through your bloodstream to areas where it's needed, cholesterol must travel in protein packages called lipoproteins. Most cholesterol in your body travels in low-density lipoprotein packages or high-density lipoprotein packages. Fats in the body like cholesterol are called “lipids” and there are a number of different typesthat are important to know about.

There are 2 main types: HDL (high density lipoproteins) and LDL (low density lipoproteins).

LDL Cholesterol - Low Density LipoproteinLDL is considered to be “bad cholesterol” and is made up of particles of fats that carry cholesterol out to the body’s tissues. When there is too much LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, it can become a part of a thick, hard layer on the inside of your arteries called“plaques”.

The buildup of plaque is known as atherosclerosis and the thicker the layer, themore narrowed the arteries become.When the arteries in the heart narrow because of plaque buildup, there is a decrease in blood flow. The blood carries oxygen and when there is less blood flow, there is less oxygencarried to the tissues of the body. If the blood flow in the arteries in the heart gets blockedcompletely, the lack of oxygen causes a heart attack.

The same can happen with the arteries that feed blood to the brain, and when they become blocked the lack of oxygen tothe brain causes a stroke.Keeping the LDL cholesterol level as low as possible is key to preventing heart attack andstroke. The optimal level depends on your other risk factors.

HDL Cholesterol - High Density Lipoprotein HDL Cholesterol is also known as the “good cholesterol” because having higher levels of HDL protects against heart attack and stroke.

Researchers believe that particles of fat that make up HDL cholesterol carry the cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver,where it can be removed from the body.

By doing this there is less cholesterol at the site of the artery to form plaques.You want your HDL levels to be as high as possible.

Triglycerides Triglycerides are another important lipid. Like cholesterol, it is found in foods you eat, but your body also makes its own triglycerides.

People with high triglycerides often have a high total cholesterol, a high LDL cholesterol and a low HDL cholesterol level.Like a high total cholesterol and a high LDL cholesterol, having high triglycerides is a riskfactor for the buildup of plaque and heart disease.

People who have diabetes and those whoare obese are more likely to have high triglycerides.

Conclusion