Remember that cholesterol is only found in animal foods. Some studies have found that substituting shellfish for other sources of protein have not found any change in cholesterol levels. Not every ounce of cholesterol we eat attaches itself to our artery walls. In fact, our livers make all of the cholesterol we need and will make less when excess cholesterol is eaten. In some people, this process is not coordinated and so these people need to pay more attention to their diet.
Heart disease develops when there is a blockage preventing blood flow through the arteries.
The best thing we all can do to limit the damage and blockage of artery walls is to eat more fruits and vegetables.