It has some valuable functions in the body. It is used to make certain hormones and bile, which is needed for digestion of fat. Sunlight can help a substance containing cholesterol in the skin change to vitamin D . The body produces all the cholesterol it needs. When too much cholesterol is consumed, the body cannot get rid of the excess.
Cholesterol can build up on the insides of blood vessel walls.
This results in atherosclerosis , or hardening of the arteries. LDL cholesterol is the main source of buildup on the blood vessel walls. HDL carries cholesterol back to the liver and can prevent buildup on the blood vessel walls. If an individual has certain other risk factors, LDL cholesterol guidelines goals are stricter. Therapeutic lifestyle changes The treatment of high blood cholesterol focuses on reduction of LDL cholesterol to the optimal level, whenever possible.