What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) in your blood. Your cells need cholesterol, and your body makes all it needs. But you also get cholesterol from the food you eat. It is found in foods that are made from animal products (meat and dairy products).

LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the "bad" cholesterol. High LDL can raise your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is the "good" cholesterol. High HDL is linked with a lower risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.