Cholesterol is a vital component of cell membranes and a precursor of steroid hormones.
Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; elevated LDL levels increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol; elevated HDL levels decrease the risk of coronary heart disease.
Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, is a form of cholesterol that helps to distribute trigylicerides through the bloodstream.