oo much LDL ("bad") cholesterol in the bloodstream leads to the fatty deposits that narrow the arteries and lead to these dangerous and life-threatening health problems. Research studies have established a direct link between high blood cholesterol and heart disease, showing that individuals who lowered their LDL cholesterol levels significantly reduced their risk of heart disease.

Like all of your body’s muscles, the heart needs a constant supply of nutrients and oxygen, both of which are delivered through the blood in the coronary arteries. If these arteries narrow or become clogged by deposits of fat and cholesterol (a process known as atherosclerosis), you will develop heart disease. When the heart is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood, you can experience angina, or chest pain. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off, usually due to a blood clot becoming lodged in an already narrowed artery, you will have a heart attack.

There are several risk factors that increase the chances you will develop heart disease. Many of them can be easily addressed to help reduce your risk.

The risk factors you cannot control include your age (45 years or older for men, 55 years or older for women) and a family history of heart disease (father or brother affected before age 55, mother or sister affected before age 65).

The risks you can address include:

• Lowering your LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels
• Increasing your HDL ("good") cholesterol levels
• Stop smoking
  
• Lowering your blood pressure
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly

If you have diabetes, your risk is as high as someone who has already had a heart attack. You should consult your doctor and have your cholesterol lowered under medical supervision.