Effects of High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a kind of soft, waxy, fatty substance that is found in the cells of the body and it is required for the production of hormones and vitamin D. It is also required in the production of bile acids which helps the body to digest food and absorb nutrients. Cholesterol, like all other fats cannot dissolve in blood, so they are transported in the bloodstream through lipoproteins. There are basically two types of lipopoteins - low density lipoproteins (LDL) also called bad cholesterol and high density lipoproteins (HDL) also called good cholesterol. Due to many lifestyle choices as well as bad eating habits, the level of low density lipoproteins (LDL) in the body goes up, which causes many complications.

Long Term Effects of High Cholesterol

One of the high cholesterol effects is an angina attack. It is characterized by a shooting and numbing pain in the chest that feels like severe pressure. An angina attack is a generally an indication, that a person is at a high risk of having a heart attack at a later stage. The buildup of cholesterol in the walls of the arteries over time is called plaque. This buildup of plaque is gradual and after some time it narrows the walls of the arteries restricting the flow of blood. As you know arteries are the vessels through which blood from the heart is transported to the rest of the body. When there is a narrowing of the passage of the arteries due to plaque, the arteries harden over time. When the coronary arteries have a buildup of plaque, it can slow down or stop the flow of blood to your heart. This can lead to chest pain which called angina. Sometimes the buildup of cholesterol in the arteries can rapture and cholesterol and fat are released in the bloodstream. Due to the release of fat and cholesterol in the bloodstream, there might be a blood clot. A blood clot can block the flow the flow of blood causing a blockage in the artery which leads to an angina attack.

One of the most dangerous high cholesterol effects in the body is a stroke. Stroke is known as a silent killer and an ischemic stroke is generally caused by the narrowing of blood vessels due to a buildup of cholesterol. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel which is carrying oxygen and other vital nutrients to the brain gets blocked or bursts. A stroke is caused by an embolus, that is a blockage in the artery due to deposition of cholesterol in the coronary artery. These depositions then get trapped in a blood vessel and then it is unable to supply the brain with blood and other nutrients. A stroke is characterized by an inability to speak coherently, lack of coordination and numbing of one side of the body.

As we have discussed earlier due to build up of plaque in the coronary arteries, there is restriction in the flow of blood in the heart, which can cause a heart attack. If there is a complete blockage of the artery it can cause a massive cardiac arrest which might be fatal. Recent research has shown that various forms of cancer are high cholesterol effects. Alzheimer's disease which is a form of dementia is also one of the consequences of high cholesterol. Regular exercise, good eating habits and moderate consumption of alcohol can reduce high cholesterol levels and help you in leading a healthy life.