Over time, cholesterol, fat and other substances can accumulate and narrow blood vessels. This is the initial stage of atherosclerosis. The fats transported in the blood are called triglycerides. Triglycerides come from fats in the diet, and our liver makes more triglyceride when excess protein or carbohydrate is eaten. Triglycerides are eventually delivered to muscle cells for fuel or stored in fat cells.
Alcohol increases production and blood levels of triglyceride.
Lipoprotein molecules are the packages that transport cholesterol and triglycerides through the bloodstream. They are classified by their size and density. Return to top Lipoproteins Type Description HDL High Density Lipoprotein HDL molecules remove the cholesterol that has built up on the inside of the artery walls. Thus, your risks of atherosclerosis and heart disease are lower. LDL Low Density Lipoprotein LDL molecules carry cholesterol being transported via the blood from the liver to other body cells.