A. Cholesterol is a solid, unsaturated substance in the blood. A high level of cholesterol is one of the major risk factors of heart disease. About 97 million Americans have cholesterol levels that are borderline-high or high. Researchers say HDL-C helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood. People who have high levels of HDL-C generally have a decreased risk of heart attack.
Cholesterol level is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood.
Too much LDL-C in the blood can stick to the walls of arteries, narrowing them and reducing the ability to transport blood. You may need to be tested more often depending on your health history and whether heart disease runs in your family. All it takes is a quick blood test.