What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body needs, but unhealthy lipid patterns can contribute to cardiovascular risk.

LDL is commonly called “bad” cholesterol because excess LDL can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries. HDL participates in transporting cholesterol, while triglycerides are another type of blood fat used for energy. A lipid panel helps your healthcare team evaluate these measurements together.

Why the numbers belong together

High triglycerides combined with high LDL and/or low HDL can increase cardiovascular risk. Modern dyslipidemia guidance also considers other markers and risk factors rather than treating one number as the entire story.

What causes high cholesterol?

Risk can reflect genetics, age, diet patterns high in saturated or trans fat, inactivity, smoking, body weight and certain health conditions. Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition that can cause very high LDL.

Sources: CDC: LDL, HDL & triglycerides · CDC: risk factors

Last reviewed: September 25, 2026.