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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Cholesterol is a lipid (fat) that is necessary for our bodies to function. Higher than normal levels of cholesterol in the blood can cause damage to blood vessels by accumulating in the vessel and forming plaques that can obstruct or block blood flow and cause narrowing of the blood vessels. High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Other factors that increase risk of heart disease are smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight, older age, and having a family member who had a heart attack at a young age. The May 12, 2004, issue of JAMA includes an article about treating high cholesterol levels in women.

High cholesterol itself does not cause any symptoms, so it is important to have your cholesterol level checked. The choice of treatment depends on the level of a person's risk for heart disease in addition to cholesterol level. . . . [Full Text of this Article]

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS

Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor

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