The amount of cholesterol in your blood has a lot to do with your chances of getting heart disease.

Scientists have learned that other substances may give you and your doctor new clues about your heart disease risk. And that's good news. Coronary heart disease, in which fatty deposits build up in your arteries, is the nation's top killer.

Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. Most of your body's fat is stored as triglycerides.

The cholesterol in your blood comes from the foods you eat and your liver—but your liver makes all of the cholesterol your body needs.

High cholesterol contributes to heart disease, which kills more Americans than all cancers combined.

If an artery narrows too much, you can feel chest pain. A heart attack occurs if an artery closes all the way or narrows so much that a blood clot blocks the blood flow.

Most Americans survive a first heart attack. By taking action, however, they can significantly reduce their chances for a second heart attack.

Strokes often result in long-term health problems, and sometimes death. But there are steps you can take to help prevent them.

Once you know the risk to your heart health, you can start focusing on something positive: You can take steps right now to keep your heart pumping soundly and your blood flowing smoothly.

Most people who have metabolic syndrome have insulin resistance. This may be a beginning of the development of type 2 diabetes.

People with a strong genetic predisposition to high cholesterol need medication to control cholesterol. But a lot of us don't.

The amount of cholesterol in your blood has a lot to do with your chances of getting heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association, there are five main types of cholesterol-lowering medications.

Here's a formula to help you figure out how many calories and fat grams you need each day to maintain your current weight.

Living a healthier lifestyle can help to prevent heart disease. This means eliminating all tobacco, following a heart-healthy diet, and getting regular exercise.