good general physicians to near me What is cholesterol Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body. Cholesterol helps the body function normally, but when you have too much of it, the excess is deposited in your arteries, which supply blood to vital organs including your heart and brain. This can lead to heart disease and stroke. High blood cholesterol has no symptoms. A simple blood test called a lipoprotein profile will indicate if your cholesterol is high. Adults over the age of 20 should have the test at least every five years to monitor their cholesterol levels. The test will indicate your   Total cholesterol level   LDL cholesterol (commonly known as bad cholesterol) – creates the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in your arteries   HDL cholesterol (commonly known as good cholesterol) – helps keep cholesterol from building up in your arteries  