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Good Cholesterol, bad cholesterol:
What’s the difference?
You know that your cholesterol level is important. But, how does it fit into your cardiovascular health? In general, the
higher your total cholesterol level, the greater your risk for cardiovascular disease. With heart disease on the rise among Americans, it is important
that we are all aware of the dangers and risks of heart disease.
Cholesterol, a soft, waxy substance found among the lipids (fats) in the bloodstream and in all your body’s cells, is an
important part of a healthy body. It is used to form cell membranes, hormones and other tissues. But, too high a cholesterol level in the blood is a major
risk for heart disease, which then leads to heart attack and possibly stroke.
Your body gets cholesterol through animal products you eat, such as meats, poultry, fish, eggs and butter. Your body also
makes some of your cholesterol. There are two types of cholesterol that you need to be concerned with. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is often referred to
as the “good” cholesterol. Your body makes HDL for your protection. Low-density lipoprotein is known as the “bad” cholesterol, because too much of
it can clog the arteries to your heart and increase your risk of heart attack.
The Health Alliance includes The Jewish Hospital Cholesterol Center and its experienced staff of registered dietitians and
physicians. The Jewish Hospital Cholesterol Center is internationally renowned for its research and treatment of cholesterol-related disorders. Call
513-585-7200 to interview a Health Alliance expert about cholesterol.
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