High cholesterol occurs when there are high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is found in certain foods such as dairy products, eggs and meat and is produced by the liver. The body needs a small amount of cholesterol for it to work properly but when cholesterol levels get too high it can produce problems such as coronary artery disease.

Abnormal cholesterol levels, such as having a high LDL cholesterol level or a low HDL cholesterol, can be a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance. It can be found in foods eaten and is also produced naturally in the liver and other cells. http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hypercholesterolemia-000084.htm

Too much cholesterol forms a hard deposit in the arteries, known as plaque, which will decrease the amount of blood flow through them. If left untreated it causes atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease. When high cholesterol causes this build up it can also prevent enough oxygen carrying blood to flow to the heart and cause angina. A complete blockage can even lead to a heart attack. High cholesterol can also cause a blockage in arteries going to the brain and cause a stroke.http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/cholesterol-basics

This cholesterol level is determined by a combination of the LDL, HDL, and triglyceride numbers. To be at low risk, the number should be less than 200 mg/dL: The levels between 200 and 239 mg/dL are borderline high risk and anything above 239 is considered high for total cholesterol level. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=183

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) delivers cholesterol throughout the body.High levels of LDL increase the chance for heart disease. LDL is considered normal when below 129. For levels above 130 up to 159, the levels are borderline and may be damaging. Levels above 160 are considered high cholesterol and may require lifestyle or diet changes or medication to lower the level. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/heartdisease/risk/029.html

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