Medical laboratories now subdivide total cholesterol measurement into several components including low density lipoproteins (LDL) (bad cholesterol) and high density lipoproteins (HDL) (good cholesterol).

Elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels lead to plaque-filled arteries. This condition will reduce blood flow to the brain, heart and other areas of the body. High cholesterol levels are among the primary causes of heart problem, because cholesterol produces fatty deposits in arteries.