How Much Do You Know About Cholesterol?
When it comes to heart disease, people will naturally relate it either to high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol. But, how many of us really understand what cholesterol is, what its function is, and what causes it to be high.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that can be found in all parts of the body. It is an important component of cell membranes, which produce hormones and bile acids to digest fat. However, only a small amount of cholesterol is needed by the body.
If there is excess cholesterol in the blood, it can deposit in the walls of the arteries and cause a build-up. Over time, the arteries will get narrow and eventually blocked, which can lead heart disease. (more…)