Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood. The body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells. But high levels of cholesterol can raise the risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, fats and other substances can build up in blood vessels called arteries. This buildup is called plaque. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that circulates through your blood. Learn about where blood cholesterol comes from and how it affects your body. Cholesterol is a type of lipid that your body needs to function. Learn what it does and why you don’t want too much of it in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy substance throughout the body. It’s not “bad” unless you have too much of it. Your body needs it to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones. But too much cholesterol can pose a problem. Cholesterol comes from two sources. Your liver makes all the cholesterol you need.
