Read through this brochure, then seek the help of a doctor or registered dietitian to tailor the suggestions to your personal lifestyle. You have no control over your family's medical history, but you can take steps to decrease your own risk. Diabetes, family history of heart disease, and obesity are some other important heart disease risk factors. It is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by all animals, including humans. Cholesterol is needed for many bodily functions and serves to insulate nerve fibers, maintain cell walls and produce vitamin D, various hormones and digestive juices.
Cholesterol is produced by the liver.
Dietary cholesterol is present in varying amounts in some foods, such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products. Dietary cholesterol does not automatically become blood cholesterol when you eat it. Most of your blood cholesterol is made by your body. Individuals vary in how much cholesterol their body makes. There is little doubt that elevated blood cholesterol levels increase heart disease risk.