Cholesterol is among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream. Source: Supplied from diet or synthesized by liver. Importance: 1.Form cell membranes and insulates nerve fibers. 2.Building block for hormones. 3.It forms bile acids.

Cholesterol is transported in blood by lipoproteins. They include: LDL, bad cholesterol HDL, good cholesterol Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack.

THE LIPID PROFILE A group of blood tests often requested together to determine risk of coronary heart disease. It includes: 1.Total cholesterol, 2.HDL-cholesterol, 3.LDL-Cholesterol, and 4.Triglycerides.

1.Total Cholesterol: It measures all cholesterol (good and bad) carried by lipoproteins. Level (mg/dL) Interpretation <200Desirable and reflects a low risk of heart disease Borderline high >240High Risk

2. LDL-Cholesterol: It’s called "bad" cholesterol. Lower levels reflect a lower risk of heart disease. Too much LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of the arteries forming plaque. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. Level (mg/dL) Interpretation <100 Optimal LDL cholesterol, corresponding to reduced, but not zero, risk for heart disease 130 to 160Borderline high > 160High Risk

3. HDL-Cholesterol: HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because a high HDL level seems to protect against heart attack. Level (mg/dL) Interpretation <40 Low HDL cholesterol, heightened risk for heart disease, <50 is the value for women 40–60Medium HDL level >60 High HDL level, optimal condition considered protective against heart disease

4. Triglycerides: The storage form for fat in adipose tissue. Some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. Extra triglycerides are found in the blood after eating a meal - when fat is being sent from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. A normal fasting level for triglycerides is < 150 mg/dL.