 Waxy, fat-like substance found in cells  Body needs cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and assist in digestion  Your liver makes all the cholesterol it needs, yet it is also found in the foods we eat  Can be harmful…

 LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)  Carries cholesterol up to body tissues where it is deposited  If not used, cholesterol builds up in blood stream on walls of arteries and veins  Build up can harden into plaque which increases likelihood of heart disease/stroke  Build up of plaque in arteries is called atherosclerosis

 HDL (High Density Lipoprotein)  Scrubs interior walls of blood vessels  Collects left-over cholesterol and delivers it to liver where it is processed and excreted as waste  Reduces amount of LDL in blood, lowering risk of heart disease/stroke

 Genetics  Poor diet  Inactive lifestyle (All cause LDL levels to rise and HDL levels to fall, contributing to heart attacks, coronary disease, and strokes.)

 Decrease amounts of saturated and trans fats in diet  Be ACTIVE! Get 30 minutes of exercise/day  Eat more whole grains and fiber  Avoid high levels of sweets (cakes, cookies, candy, etc)  Eat lean cuts of beef, poultry, and fish  Bake, broil, or steam foods when cooking

 An HDL level of 60 mg/dL offers best protection from heart disease  LDL level should be below 100 mg/dL  Men with HDL below 40 mg/dL and women below 50 mg/dL are at elevated risk  Also at elevated risk are those with LDL above 160 mg/dL