Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the blood stream and in your body cells. Cholesterol is an important part of a healthy body because it is used for producing cell membranes and some hormones and serves other needed functions. But too much cholesterol in the blood is a major risk for coronary heart disease, which leads to heart attack and stroke.

Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as "bad" cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as "good" cholesterol. These two types of lipids, along with triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol, make up your total cholesterol count. LDL is insoluble in blood and in high concentrations, forms plaques in arteries that constrict blood flow to the heart. These plaques harden the arteries, resulting in a condition called atherosclerosis. When a clot blocks a narrowed artery, people may experience a heart attack or stroke. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, is believed to carry cholesterol in the blood to the liver, where it is then eliminated from the body.

Triglyceride is a form of fat made in the body. Elevated triglycerides can be due to being overweight or obese, physical inactivity, cigarette smoking, excess alcohol consumption or a diet very high in carbohydrates.

Lp(a) is a genetic variation of LDL (bad cholesterol). Diet, weight, physical activity and exposure to tobacco smoke all affect your cholesterol level. Taking supplements may help to lower cholesterol. Fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids, which lower triglyceride levels and protect against atherosclerosis. Beta-glucan in oats is thought to be responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects. Green tea lowers total cholesterol levels by lowering LDL and triglyceride levels while raising HDL cholesterol. Red yeast rice can lower total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and triglycerides when used for 8-12 weeks.