About Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a lipid (one of the major classifications of biological substances). Lipids are also called fats. Olive oil, lard, and most of the stuff in butter are lipids, and lipids are in the components of pretty much all foods.

In addition to lipids consumed in the diet, the body manufactures lipids. An adult produces about 1 gram of cholesterol every day, and a typical diet includes 0.3 grams of cholesterol per day. Your body uses lipids in many ways, including the very membranes around cells, and cholesterol is a normal part of your body. There is nothing wrong with it per se. It is when the cholesterol level in your bloodstream (called the serum cholesterol) gets too high that you can be at risk for long-term chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Cholesterol is a specific form of lipid called a steroid. Other steroids include the major sex hormones testosterone and estrogen as well as the common medication cortisone and other prescription drugs used for allergies and anti-inflammation. The steroids you hear about that some bodybuilders and athletes use to build muscle are also in the same chemical class.

Cholesterol in the bloodstream ("serum cholesterol") can be divided into high-density lipids (HDL) and low-density lipids (LDL). There are several subforms of HDL, one of which is called alpha HDL and within alpha HDL there are different types.

Scientists think that alpha-1 is the type of cholesterol that should be increased to help, while other types (alpha-2 and alpha-3) should be low. The ideal cholesterol medication would raise alpha-1, lower alpha-2, alpha-3, and LDL. The ideal drug would also have a high affinity for the enzyme active site and hence a selective inhibition of HMGR in the liver.

(New study questions whether HDL is really good for you.)

Medical management of cholesterol levels.