The body uses cholesterol to hold cells together and to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest foods. The substance is contained in animal products, such as meat, eggs, and butter. Although your body needs cholesterol to work properly, too much can cause problems. High cholesterol is a condition that affects nearly 40 million Americans and is one of the risk factors for developing heart disease. A simple blood test can determine if your cholesterol level is too high.