According to the American Heart Association, the term "heart disease" is used to describe a variety of problems that can affect our hearts. The most visible effect of heart disease is heart attack. The most common type of heart disease is coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD occurs when substances like cholesterol build up in the arteries that carry blood to the heart and block or slow the flow of blood and oxygen. 

Everyone makes cholesterol; it has important functions in a healthy body. The problem is that in most cases our bodies produce all the cholesterol we need. Foods derived from animal fats like red meat or butter are high in cholesterol. This type of cholesterol may contribute to heart disease because it sticks to artery walls, which can clog them.

Foods derived from plant materials such as corn, canola and other vegetable oils like Mazola are high in unsaturated fat, the "good" fats. This keeps cholesterol moving through the blood stream and into the liver to be disposed of. Diets rich in unsaturated or "good" fats may help lower cholesterol.

To reduce your risk of heart disease, the American Heart Association suggests you:
     Get regular cholesterol screenings
     Eat a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol
     Maintain a healthy weight
     Exercise regularly
     Follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider.