Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like molecule required for the production of hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids, all of which promote digestion. While your body need cholesterol, excessive amounts of it, especially low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad cholesterol”), may be harmful to your health. These are the impacts of high cholesterol on your body:
The Circulatory System
The buildup of plaque in arteries: Plaques are fatty masses that can form on the walls of your arteries when you have too much LDL cholesterol. Atherosclerosis is the name of the process that makes the arteries smaller and less flexible. This can slow down blood flow over time, denying cells oxygen and nutrients.
A greater chance of getting a blood clot: When plaques break, they can set off the body’s bleeding system. These clots can partly or completely stop blood flow in important arteries, which can cause heart attacks or strokes and other major health problems.
The Heart
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Angina, or chest discomfort, raises heart attack risk. Both signs indicate coronary artery disease (CAD), which restricts heart muscle blood flow.
Heart Failure: The heart may get weaker over time as a result of persistently high cholesterol, which can eventually lead to heart failure, which is a disease in which the heart is unable to pump blood adequately.
The Brain
Stroke Risk: An ischemic stroke, the most common kind of stroke, is more likely to develop in cases of atherosclerosis reducing or blocking blood supply to the brain.
Vascular dementia: Cognitive decline and vascular dementia may result from chronic artery damage caused by cholesterol.
The Body
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): High cholesterol may cause peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which is characterized by discomfort, numbness, and poor wound healing.
Kidney Damage: When renal arteries become narrowed or clogged, kidney function may be impaired, which can lead to an increase in blood pressure and a worsening of cardiovascular risk.
Prevention and Management
Changing habits like eating a heart-healthy diet (like the Mediterranean diet), working out regularly, and giving up smoking can lower cholesterol levels by a large amount. In some situations, drugs like statins or PCSK9 inhibitors are necessary. Regular screenings and getting help early can significantly lessen the damage that happens over time.
