Cholesterol is a natural substance manufactured by the body. It is also obtained from eating certain foods. Cholesterol is necessary, as it is required to protect nerve tissue, manufacture cell tissues and produce some hormones. Cholesterol comes in two forms, low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, and high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. LDL is also known as "bad" cholesterol, due to the negative effects excessive levels can have on your health.
Heart Attack
MayoClinic.com states that having elevated levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to a dangerous buildup on artery walls. This buildup can lead to heart attacks, and the higher the level of LDL, the higher the risk. Alternately, high levels of HDL cholesterol have the opposite effect by lowering the risk of heart disease.
A recommended level of LDL cholesterol in most people is 130 mg/dl. Persons with high risk of heart disease due to other factors should aim for a level below 70 mg/dl. Other risk factors for heart disease include having had a previous heart attack or having blocked arteries in the neck or extremities.
Stroke
All the cholesterol you need is manufactured in the liver, according to Family Doctor, a health website. Excess cholesterol in the diet can contribute to an elevated risk of stroke, as it can be stored in your arteries. This buildup, known as arterial plaque, narrows your arteries and makes them lose their suppleness, which is a condition known as atherosclerosis.
An artery can eventually become completely blocked unless changes in diet, exercise and possible medical treatment are implemented. When an artery that supplies blood to your brain becomes blocked, you can have a stroke. In the case of a stroke, permanent damage such as paralysis can occur.
Angina
eMedTV, a health information website, explains that atherosclerosis caused by high levels of LDL cholesterol can cause angina. Angina is chest pain caused by a temporary lack of blood to the heart. It does not mean you are having a heart attack, but it does cause discomfort.
There are three types of angina. Stable angina is a recurring condition when the heart works harder than usual and typically goes away with rest. Unstable angina is dangerous and it neither goes away with rest nor does it follow a pattern. This condition requires emergency medical treatment.
Variant angina is the least common and is characterized by severe pain and occurs during sleep. Stable angina can be triggered by physical exertion, stress or even a heavy meal, while unstable and variant angina can occur without triggers.
