Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that is present in all parts of the body, including the nervous system, skin, muscle, liver, intestines, and heart. Your body makes cholesterol and gets it from animal products in the diet. Cholesterol is manufactured in the liver. It is needed for normal body functions, including the production of hormones, bile acid, and vitamin D. Excessive cholesterol in the blood contributes to atherosclerosis and subsequent heart disease. The risk of developing heart disease or atherosclerosis increases as the level of blood cholesterol rises.