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This test measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood to help determine your risk for heart disease.

Your healthcare provider has prescribed medicine to help control your cholesterol. This sheet tells you how cholesterol affects your health.

This test measures the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood. It may be done as part of a routine exam for high cholesterol.

This test measures the amount of HDL ("good") cholesterol in your blood. It's one of several tests that can determine your risk for heart disease.

This test measures the amount of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in your blood.

An excess of cholesterol can build up in the arteries, narrowing them and slowing or blocking blood flow to the heart. Take this quiz to learn more about cholesterol and its role in your health.

This test measures the level of lipoprotein (a) in your blood. A high level of this cholesterol may mean you have heart disease or another cholesterol-related condition.

Your body needs cholesterol to make hormones and to keep your cells healthy. Cholesterol comes from two sources: your liver and your diet. But if your diet exceeds the body’s need for cholesterol or saturated fats, your cholesterol level in your blood will increase. This video discusses treatments and lifestyle changes that may be prescribed by your doctor.

The higher your total cholesterol number, the more likely it is that cholesterol will build up in your blood vessels.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that travels in your bloodstream. When you have high cholesterol, it builds up in the walls of your blood vessels. This makes the blood vessels narrower and blood flow decrease. Then you could have a heart attack or a stroke.