Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. When you have high cholesterol, fatty deposits can build up in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through the arteries. Sometimes these deposits can suddenly burst open and form a clot that can cause a heart attack or stroke. High cholesterol can be hereditary, but it's often the result of an unhealthy lifestyle, making it preventable and treatable. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and sometimes medication can help lower high cholesterol.