Cholesterol isn't necessarily a bad thing. A soft, waxy substance naturally found in your body, "good" cholesterol (or HDL) is needed to digest fat, make hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, and produce vitamin D in the skin. You want your HDL to be high.
However, "bad" cholesterol (or LDL) carries cholesterol in the blood and to the cells. Over time, if you have too much "bad" cholesterol, it builds up in the vessels and clogs the flow of blood. You want your LDL to be low.
Triglycerides are formed when the calories you eat are not immediately used as energy. Your fat cells store triglycerides for later use. You need some triglycerides, but too many will lead to heart disease.
Make an appointment to have your cholesterol tested during Heart Month. Work with your doctor to reduce your LDL below 100, your triglycerides below 150 and to keep your HDL above 40.
Find more tips and strategies in Eliz's new book The Busy Woman's Guide to a Healthy Heart or on her award winning blog at www.EmbraceYourHeart.com.