Therefore, cholesterol is not essential to our dietary intake. Population studies done on male subjects over long periods of time indicate that there is a relationship between eating foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol and high levels of blood cholesterol. In the blood, cholesterol travels in packages called lipoproteins. These fatty deposits eventually make it difficult for blood to flow to the heart. This lack of blood flow may result in a heart attack.
Cholesterol is also packaged in high-density lipoproteins, or HDLs.
Because the build-up of fatty materials in the blood vessels is a slow process, a physician may be able to predict your chance of heart disease by measuring your blood cholesterol level. Early detection of a high level of blood cholesterol, followed by a change in dietary habits and lifestyle, can prolong your life. A desirable LDL cholesterol level is below 130 milligrams per deciliter and a desirable HDL-cholesterol level is above 35 milligrams. Increased exercise and losing excess body fat is generally advised. An overall reduction in the total amount of fat eaten is recommended.