Cholesterol is a waxy lipid used for hormones, vitamin D, and other biological needs. Its packaged in lipoproteins: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). HDL decreases risks of heart disease and LDL increases it, they are sometimes refered to as good and bad cholesterol. Diet, activity and genetics affect plasma lipoprotein levels. Many Genes and SNP have been associated with HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations, including:
