September 2025
![National Cholesterol Awareness Month Leslee B. Cochrane, MD. Executive Medical Director September is National Cholesterol Awareness Month - a good time to review why adults should regularly check their cholesterol levels. Most people associate cholesterol with bad health outcomes; but that is not entirely true. Cholesterol is actually an essential building block necessary to build cell membranes, create bile for digestion and required to synthesize hormones and Vitamin D. However, too much cholesterol can lead to a build-up of a waxy plaque in your arteries which in turn can cause various complications including heart attacks and strokes. To better understand cholesterol and related fats (lipids), we can divide them into three different categories: the good, the bad and the ugly. HDL or High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, is considered the "good" cholesterol; primarily due to its ability to help protect your arteries by removing plaque build-up from within the blood vessels. LDL or Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, is considered the "bad" cholesterol because it makes a sticky substance known as plaque. High levels of LDL cholesterol can result in a build-up of plaque and cause blockage in your arteries. VLDL or Very Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Triglycerides, are considered "ugly" because VLDL Cholesterol transports triglycerides from the liver to store them as fat into fat cells. High levels of VLDL and Triglycerides also contribute to the build-up of plaque within the blood vessels. If you have not had your cholesterol levels checked recently, I suggest you consult with your health care provider to have a full lipid panel done. It is important that you plan to fast for approximately 12 hours before the test in order for the results to be considered accurate. Below is a summary of the items typically included in a lipid panel with results categorized as "Dangerous", "At-Risk" and "Heart-Healthy" by the Cleveland Clinic[i]. The main items included in a lipid panel are: Total cholesterol. This is the total amount of cholesterol that's circulating in your blood. LDL or low-density lipoprotein. This is the "bad" cholesterol that contributes to plaque buildup in your arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes. HDL or high-density lipoprotein. This is the "good" cholesterol that helps clear out the cholesterol your body doesn't need. Triglycerides. This is a type of fat that can raise your heart attack and stroke risks.](https://hospiceofthevalleys.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/national-cholesterol-awareness-month.jpg)
September 2025
