Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance in your blood that helps your body build cells, digest fats and make hormones. It’s made in your liver, and it’s also found in foods that come from animals like meat and dairy. It travels to and from your cells on carriers called lipoproteins. Two types of lipoproteins are low density (LDL) and high density (HDL).

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) carry cholesterol to your cells. LDL cholesterol is “bad” cholesterol because it can build up on your artery walls. High LDL cholesterol increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) carry cholesterol away from your cells to your liver, where it’s broken down. HDL cholesterol is “good” because the lipoproteins help remove cholesterol you don’t need. High HDL cholesterol may keep you safe from a heart attack and stroke.

High cholesterol doesn’t have any symptoms, so you won’t know if your treatment plan is working just by how you feel. You’ll see results when you have your cholesterol checked.