Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. Lifestyle changes such as exercising and eating a healthy diet help aid against high cholesterol. If you’ve made these lifestyle changes and your cholesterol levels remain high, your doctor might recommend medication.