Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in the bloodstream.
Cholesterol circulating in the blood is deposited in the inner walls of the arteries, blocking the flow of blood. Most coronary heart disease is the result of blocked arteries. High cholesterol is considered one of the three key heart disease risk factors along with smoking and high blood pressure. According to the American Heart Association, heart attacks, strokes and other blood vessel diseases afflict more than 63 million Americans and are responsible for nearly one-half of all deaths. Blood cholesterol level is determined by several factors, including the foods you eat and your genetic makeup.