Cholesterol

[spk]

Whats the story with cholesterol? What does it do and what does it mean if you had bad cholesterol?

Thanks

[Jackson74]

cholesterol is (i think) fatty deposits in the blood.  If you have high cholesterol, this means that there are more fatty substances in your blood which can cause sluggish blood flow (and more susceptable to clotting), and high blood pressure (caused by blood being forced through thinner vein/arteries where there are fatty deposits blocking part of it.......think about putting your finger over the end of a hose).  Saturated fats can cause high cholesterol, and are worse than unsaturated ones.

Dependent on what your BP/age etc is, exercise and diet are you best ways to combat high cholesterol.  Obviously there are drugs that can be taken to lower levels, ask your GP.

[qapmoc]

Hi SPK,  got to this site and it will give you all you need to know.  

 http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002472.htm