"The fat and cholesterol you eat are absorbed in the intestine and transported to the liver. The liver converts fat into cholesterol, and releases cholesterol into the bloodstream. There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol). "

"High levels of LDL cholesterol are linked to atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of cholesterol-rich fatty deposits in arteries. This can cause arteries to narrow or become blocked, slowing or stopping the flow of blood to vital organs, especially the heart and brain. Atherosclerosis affecting the heart is called "

"High levels of HDL cholesterol actually protect against heart attacks and strokes by removing cholesterol from the arteries and bringing it back to the liver."

"Because high cholesterol levels can cause atherosclerosis, doctors recommend that people keep their cholesterol levels within a specific range. In general, adults older than 20 should try to keep their total cholesterol level below 200 milligrams per deciliter."

"For a more precise assessment of the risk of atherosclerosis, your LDL cholesterol should be checked. According to guidelines established by the government-sponsored National Cholesterol Education Program, the desirable level for LDL cholesterol depends on whether or not a person already has a disease caused by atherosclerosis "

"Having a family history of premature coronary artery disease (a father or brother younger than 55 with coronary artery disease or a mother or sister younger than 65 with coronary artery disease) "

"If you have coronary artery disease, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or have had a stroke from atherosclerosis, your LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 milligrams per deciliter, and perhaps as low as 70 milligrams per deciliter."

"The more risk factors you have, the lower your target LDL cholesterol should be. In general, an LDL cholesterol level of less than 100 is best, but less than 130 may be acceptable for people with few or no risk factors. "

" Your level of HDL cholesterol is also very important. People with levels below 40 milligrams per deciliter are more likely to develop atherosclerosis, heart disease and stroke. Levels of HDL cholesterol above 60 milligrams per deciliter are associated with less atherosclerosis and are thought to help protect against heart disease and stroke. "

"Most people with high cholesterol don't have any symptoms until cholesterol-related atherosclerosis causes significant narrowing of the arteries leading to their hearts or brains. The result can be "

" (angina) or other symptoms of coronary artery disease, as well as symptoms of decreased blood supply to the brain "

"About one out of every 500 people has an inherited disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia, which can cause extremely high cholesterol levels (above 300 milligrams per deciliter). People with this disorder can develop nodules filled with cholesterol (xanthomas) over various tendons, especially the Achilles tendons of the lower leg. Cholesterol deposits also can occur on the eyelids, where they are called xanthelasmas. "

"Your doctor will ask if anyone in your family has had coronary artery disease, high cholesterol or diabetes. The doctor will ask about your diet and if you have ever smoked. He or she will check your blood pressure and look for xanthomas and xanthelasmas. Your doctor can confirm a diagnosis of high cholesterol with a simple blood test."

"Battling high cholesterol is a long-term effort. You can significantly lower your cholesterol levels within six weeks by switching to a diet that is low in saturated
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