Why does cholesterol matter?  Unhealthy levels of cholesterol can cause plaque to build up inside the arteries (yes, a different plaque from your mouth!).  This reduces blood flow and can raise the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.  Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance found in all cells of the body.  The liver makes most of what you need, and the body uses it to help make hormones and vitamin D.  The “bad” type of cholesterol is LDL, or low-density lipoprotein.  It contributes to the plaque deposits.  People should try to keep low levels of the LDL cholesterol.  The “good” type is HDL, or high-density lipoprotein.  It helps to sweep the LDL from your arteries and carries it back to your liver to be broken down and removed from the body.  Remember to make healthy food choices, get regular exercise, and lose excess weight to help keep those cholesterol levels in a good range!