Definition: A waxy substance produced by the body and taken in with food. The body needs cholesterol for functions such as making hormones. When too much cholesterol circulates in the blood, it leads to atherosclerosis and an increased risk of heart disease. Blood cholesterol refers to the cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream; dietary cholesterol is the cholesterol consumed in food.

Also Known As: HDL, LDL

Common Misspellings: colesteral, cholasterel, coalesterol

Related Resources:

Keeping Cholesterol Under Control
Information about lowering cholesterol with diet.

How A Heart Attack Happens
Check out this very informative explanation of heart attack.

Health Benefits of Fiber
A high fiber diet can help lower cholesterol.

Elsewhere on the Web:

Cholesterol and the Heart
Information from Medicine Net

Cholesterol Levels
Information from the American Heart Association on recommended cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol Quiz
Test your knowlege on cholesterol.

<Back to Last Page>     <Full Glossary>