Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in one's blood, which is necessary to build healthy cells. However, the bad name that cholesterol has gained over the years is due to its association with an increased risk of heart disease. But what is important to note is that only high levels of cholesterol is what raises one's cardiovascular disease risk.

Your body needs cholesterol, a waxy substance found in the blood, to build healthy cells. However, with high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Sometimes, these deposits can break suddenly and form a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke. It's crucial to get your cholesterol levels out of the red zone to avoid problems. While not all cholesterol is bad for your body, the type known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is bad cholesterol and can put you at a greater risk of health problems. Therefore, it’s important to keep your levels in check through regular blood tests.