Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all cells of the body. It comes from two sources: your body and food. Your body, and especially your liver , makes all the cholesterol you need and circulates it through the blood.

But cholesterol is also found in foods from animal sources, such as meat, poultry, and full fat dairy products. Your liver produces more cholesterol when you eat a diet high in saturated and trans fats. Excess cholesterol can form plaque between layers of artery walls, making it harder for your heart to circulate blood. Plaque can break open and cause blood clots. If a clot blocks an artery that feeds the brain, it causes a stroke.

If it blocks an artery the feeds the heart, it can cause a heart attack. Making healthy eating choices and increasing exercise are important first steps in improving your cholesterol. For some people, cholesterol – lowering medication may also be needed to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.