The process starts when cholesterol and fats in food go to the intestines to be digested and absorbed. When the chylomicrons enter the bloodstream, they contact binding sites on capillaries. Many of their triglycerides break down and are released into the blood. VLDL carries triglycerides made in the liver from fatty acids, carbohydrates, alcohol and some cholesterol. VLDL is released into the bloodstream and, like chylomicrons, is transported to tissue capillaries where the triglycerides are broken down and either used for energy or stored by muscle or fat cells.
High levels are a large contributing factor in clogging arteries.