Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. However, cholesterol also is found in some of the foods you eat.

High levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. When you have too much cholesterol in your bloodstream, it can build up on the walls of your arteries, forming a plaque. This plaque can narrow your arteries, reduce blood flow, and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries.
2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as "good" cholesterol, helps carry cholesterol away from your arteries, back to the liver, where it's processed and removed from your body.

It's important to have healthy levels of both types of cholesterol. You can manage your cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medication. Eating a diet low in saturated and trans fats, avoiding tobacco smoke, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight are some of the ways to manage cholesterol levels. If these measures are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medications to help lower your cholesterol.