Cholesterol is a type of fat and is found in all parts of the human body. It plays an essential role in the production of hormones and other functions. Cholesterol is a key element in the cell membranes of mammals, and it aids in the production of adrenal and sex hormones and vitamin D.
Problems can occur when too much cholesterol forms an accumulation of plaque on blood vessel walls, which impedes blood flow to the heart and other organs.

Causes

Elevated cholesterol may be due to genetics. Some people are more genetically inclined than others to have high cholesterol whether or not they exercise or if they have a high-saturated fat diet.
In some individuals, elevated LDL-cholesterol levels are due to heredity. These genetic disorders are referred to as familial hypercholesterolemia, familial combined hyperlipidemia, familial defective apolipoprotein B, and polygenic hypercholesterolemia.
A diet high in animal fat diet is a major cause of elevated blood cholesterol. Dietary cholesterol plays a large part in raising blood cholesterol levels. Too much saturated fat in your diet can cause your body to make more cholesterol, raising your blood cholesterol levels. Lower your cholesterol levels by cutting down on fat and eating foods rich in starch and fiber, such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Symptoms

High cholesterol does not make you feel sick. It is usually found during a routine cholesterol and triglycerides test, a blood test that measures cholesterol levels.
Because there are no warning signs, it is extremely important to undergo routine blood tests for cholesterol and to take necessary steps to bring high levels down to a healthy range.

Treatment

Make changes in your life to reduce your risk factors. Most people need to adjust their lifestyles to eat less saturated fat, be more active, and lose weight if needed.
Take charge of your health by eating sensibly; lower your saturated fat intake and exercise appropriately to lose excess weight. If you smoke, now is the time to stop. Discuss with your doctor suitable ways to eat right, and ask for advice on safe physical activity.

Statins are a type of medication used to treat high cholesterol. These medications block an enzyme the body needs to produce cholesterol, thereby lowering the total amount of it in the blood.
A wide variety of prescription medicines are available to treat cholesterol problems. These include statins such as Mevacor (lovastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), Pravachol (pravastatin), Zocor (simvastatin), Baycol (cervastatin), and Lipitor (atorvastatin) to lower LDL. A group of drugs called fibric acid derivatives are used to lower triglycerides and raise HDL. These include Lopid (gemfibrozil), Atromid-S (clofibrate), and Tricor.