human
I've been told that I have a high cholesterol level. What does this mean?
assistant
High cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and other vascular diseases. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the bloodstream that helps to carry oxygen around the body. It is made up of two main types – low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is known as 'bad' cholesterol because it can build up in your arteries and cause blockages which can lead to heart attacks or strokes. HDL is called 'good' cholesterol because it helps to remove excess LDL from the body. A healthy range for total cholesterol levels is between 200mg/dL and 240mg/dL.