Your Cholesterol Level

Cholesterol Drugs Slideshow

• What Is Cholesterol?
• How Are Cholesterol Levels Checked?
• What the Numbers Mean
• What Should I Do if I Have High Cholesterol?
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related cholesterol level articles:
  Cholesterol levels - on WebMD
  Cholesterol levels - on MedicineNet

What Is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol, a waxy, fat-like substance, is naturally present in cell walls or membranes everywhere in the body. Your body uses cholesterol to produce many hormones, vitamin D, and the bile acids that help to digest fat. If you have too much cholesterol in your bloodstream, the excess may be deposited in the arteries of the heart, which could lead to heart disease.