Cholesterol is naturally found in your body, and you need some of it for correct body function. You don't need too much, though, and a lot of people have too much. Some people in Fayetteville AR may be genetically predisposed to have high cholesterol.

Condition of the month in Fayetteville AR

Cholesterol is a waxy substance. If it builds up in your blood vessels, the space for blood is smaller. Oxygen and nutrients are carried through the bloodstream. With less space in your blood vessels, less oxygen can be carried to your brain and your heart.

Too little oxygen for your heart can lead to a heart attack. Too little oxygen in your brain can lead to a stroke. There are three kinds of cholesterol:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This is the one known as "bad cholesterol. It can build up in your blood vessels, making them hard and narrower than they should be, preventing the free flow of oxygen. Think of a creek that gets filled up with rocks and dirt, so that much less water can get through. A pool at the end of the creek would get less water. Fish living there would not have enough oxygen.
• Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Triglycerides, a type of fat, is carried by this type of lipoprotein. This can make LDL larger, and make your blood vessels smaller.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL). This is the kind known as "good," cholesterol. HDL cholesterol collects excess cholesterol and takes it to your liver. "High cholesterol" refers to the bad cholesterol, not to the good cholesterol.

High cholesterol has no symptoms. You only know about it if you have your cholesterol tested. However, there are lifestyle choices that can lead to high cholesterol. To keep your cholesterol level low, take these steps:

• Stop smoking. Smoking can damage your cell walls and increase cholesterol deposits, as well as reducing the good cholesterol in your body.
• Exercise. Regular exercise increases good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol.
• Avoid saturated fats and trans fats. Eating less red meat and full-fat dairy products, as well as fewer processed foods, makes this easier.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Exercising and focusing on eating lean protein and fruits and vegetables can help you achieve or maintain a healthy weight. Obesity increases the chances of high cholesterol.