For years, we have known that lipid levels affect blood vessel health. Lipids are a class of chemicals that includes fats, waxes, oils, and steroids. Cholesterol is one type of lipid.  Triglycerides are another. Using guidelines from groups like the American Heart Association (https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678), clinicians help people improve their lipid levels so they will be less likely to have damaged blood vessels (vascular disease) and plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in the heart and other parts of the body. There are different ways to keep lipids at the healthiest levels possible to protect the heart, brain, kidneys, eyes – everywhere in the body, really. Healthy lifestyle choices matter, and complementary approaches, such as taking dietary supplements, can be helpful as well.

Why Does Cholesterol Matter?

Keeping lipids under control is one way to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, or other blood vessel-related problems. There are others too, and all these risk factors are important to keep in mind, including:

1. Keep blood sugars healthy. Prevent insulin resistance and diabetes.
2. Avoid tobacco and other sources of nicotine.
3. Keep blood pressure numbers in a good range. For more information, go to Integrative Approaches to Hypertension (https://www.fammed.wisc.edu/files/webfm-uploads/documents/outreach/im/tool-hypertension.pdf).
4. Aim for a healthy weight. 

Figure 1 has more information on what protects and harms arteries.

What Is Measured in a Cholesterol Panel and Why?

Different types of lipids measured in lab tests. The first one listed is total cholesterol. We need cholesterol to live. It is part of all our cells, and it is used to make important compounds like estrogen, testosterone, vitamin D, and bile.

Triglycerides are also important. They are a different type of lipid from cholesterol. Triglycerides can increase risk of vascular disease too, and if levels get very high, they can harm the pancreas and other organs. Triglycerides are mainly stored in fat cells and can be made by the liver. Triglycerides come from fatty foods we eat, and the body makes them if we eat more calories than we need. If someone eats too much fat or too many calories in general, or if someone has genes that put them at higher risk, their body may have high triglycerides.