What is blood cholesterol?

Cholesterol is one of the fats in your blood. Your body uses it to make cell membranes, vitamin D and hormones. There are two main types of cholesterol:

  1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often called the bad cholesterol because high levels in the blood promotes the buildup of plaque in the artery walls.
  2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is called the good cholesterol because it helps carry LDL-cholesterol away from the artery walls.

Triglycerides are not a type of cholesterol, however, they are a type of fat that is found in the blood. High triglycerides are linked with excess weight, excess alcohol consumption and diabetes. Your triglyceride level is usually measured at the same time as your blood cholesterol.

Cholesterol, heart disease and stroke

High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. By lowering your cholesterol, you can dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in the artery walls and narrow your arteries called atherosclerosis which can make it harder for blood to flow through your heart and body, putting you at increased risk of circulatory problems, heart disease and stroke.

10 ways to get your cholesterol in check
  1. Test your cholesterol. Ask your doctor to check it if:
    • You are male and over 40.
    • You are female and over 50 or post-menopausal.
    • You have heart disease, stroke, diabetes or high blood pressure.
    • Your waist measures more than 102 centimetres (40 inches) for men or 88 centimetres (35 inches) for women. For persons of Chinese or South Asian descent, if your waist measures more than 90 centimetres (35 inches) for men or 80 centimetres (32 inches) for women.
    • You have a family history of heart disease or stroke.
  2. Reduce your fat intake to 20-35% of your daily calories
  3. Choose healthy fats such as polyunsaturated and monounsaturated, found mainly in vegetable oils, nuts and fish
  4. Limit your intake of saturated fat found mainly in red meat and high-fat dairy products.
  5. Avoid trans fats often found in foods made with shortening or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, hard margarines, fast foods and many pre-made foods. Trans fats raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol.
  6. Use Canada's Food Guide to plan a healthier diet. Eat more whole grains, cereals, vegetables and fruit.
  7. Snack wisely. Choose low-salt pretzels, plain popcorn or fruit, rather than higher-fat or junk food types of snacks.
  8. Use lower-fat cooking methods such as baking, broiling or steaming and try to avoid fried food.
  9. Be smoke-free. Smoking increases LDL bad blood cholesterol
  10. Get physically active. Being physically active most days of the week can improve good cholesterol levels.

For more information on cholesterol, please read our brochure Living with Cholesterol

Last reviewed August 2008.