Cholesterol is a substance that carries digested fat from your liver to other parts of your body. Abnormal levels of certain types of cholesterol can cause coronary artery disease. Your healthcare provider will test your blood for:
- High levels of LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol)
- Low levels of HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol)
- High levels of triglycerides
There are many things that contribute to coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease. Your LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, is one of them. Other things you can do to help prevent heart disease includes raising your "good" cholesterol (HDL), which mainly is accomplished by exercise, a healthy lifestyle including regular exercise and a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in animal products and processed foods.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.