| Cholesterol is a substance naturally found in the walls of cells. It is used by the body to produce certain hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help to digest fat. If the amounts of cholesterol in the blood are excessive, cholesterol can build up in arteries, which can lead to coronary heart disease and many other serious conditions. |
 | There are a number of risk factors that make cardiovascular disease more likely, including high cholesterol. Cardiologist Craig Juergens talks about what cholesterol does to the body, and its role in cardiovascular disease. Watch the video Cardiovascular Disease and Cholesterol. |
 | For more information on cholesterol, including the health effects of high cholesterol and ways to lower cholesterol levels, as well as some useful tools, see Cholesterol. |