Cholesterol Dictionary

plaque: Sticky deposits formed when cholesterol combines with other substances in the bloodstream and clings to artery walls. Excess plaque surrounding artery walls can cause heart disease.

polyunsaturated fats: High-calorie fats proven to help lower blood cholesterol when used as a replacement for saturated fats. Present in vegetable oils such as soybean, corn, sunflower and safflower and flax oil. Also in pumpkin seeds, walnuts and oily fish. (See "omega-3 fats" and "omega-6 fats.")

saturated fats: Contained in high-fat animal food products such as meat, whole milk, two-percent milk and some vegetable oils. Consuming large amounts of saturated fats can cause high LDL cholesterol levels.

risk factor: An individual's habits, traits or conditions associated with an increased chance of contracting a given disease.