High cholesterol - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Overview Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood The body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells But high levels of cholesterol can raise the risk of heart disease With high cholesterol, fats and other substances can build up in blood vessels called arteries This buildup is called plaque As more plaque forms over time, the arteries can become narrowed or clogged That makes
HDL cholesterol: How to boost your good cholesterol High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from the bloodstream A higher level of HDL cholesterol is linked to a lower risk of heart disease Cholesterol is a waxy substance that's in every cell in the body At healthy levels, cholesterol does useful work
Cholesterol test - Mayo Clinic A cholesterol test is an important way to check your health High cholesterol levels often are a key risk factor for a common type of heart disease called coronary artery disease Coronary artery disease can lead to conditions such as heart attack and stroke
Statins: Are these cholesterol-lowering drugs right for you? Statins are drugs that can lower your cholesterol They work by blocking a substance that your body needs to make cholesterol Lowering cholesterol isn't the only benefit of taking a statin These medicines also have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke Statins also may help reduce the risk of certain blood clots
Gallstones - Symptoms causes - Mayo Clinic Gallstones range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball Some people develop just one gallstone, while others develop many gallstones at the same time People who experience symptoms from their gallstones usually require gallbladder removal surgery Gallstones that don't cause any signs and symptoms typically don't need treatment
Arteriosclerosis atherosclerosis - Symptoms and causes Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis Atherosclerosis is the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls This buildup is called plaque The plaque can cause arteries to narrow, blocking blood flow The plaque also can burst, leading to a blood clot Although atherosclerosis is often considered a heart condition, it can affect arteries
Mediterranean diet for heart health - Mayo Clinic More-recent studies linked the Mediterranean diet with lower risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure Today, the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthy eating plans that American nutrition experts recommend It's also recognized by the World Health Organization as a healthy-eating pattern