Explain the link between blood cholesterol levels and disease

There is so much conflicting information now on cholesterol, that I am not sure how to sort it all. But what there is solid info on is that sedentary lifestyle combined with high fat/high calorie diet, smoking, alcohol abuse, family history, etc. does appear to increase the risk of multiple disease scenarios. Until the CDC or NIH changes their position on cholesterol, I will be following their recommendations when clients ask for my opinion.