High cholesterol is a serious condition that can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and heart attack. Fortunately, a healthy diet can lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk for these sometimes fatal conditions. Cholesterol is a fatlike substance found in the blood that can collect along the interior walls of arteries. If there are large amounts of cholesterol present in the bloodstream, eventually enough fatty deposits will collect along the artery walls that blood flow will be restricted.
Arteriosclerosis
Too much cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream can result in the slow buildup of plaque along the walls of the arteries that send blood to the heart and brain. As plaque builds up, the arteries will become narrower and less flexible. This process is called arteriosclerosis. Arteriosclerosis may lead to hemorrhaging into the plaque or blood clots forming on the surface of the plaque. Either one of these conditions could block the entire artery, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Stroke
Strokes are the third leading cause of death in America and the leading cause of disabilities in adults. A stroke occurs when an artery becomes blocked and the blood flow to an area of the brain is reduced. Without a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood, brain cells will die causing brain damage. Because cholesterol can restrict the flow of oxygen-rich blood through the arteries, high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of stroke.
Heart Diseases
Heart diseases are the No. 1 cause of death in America and high cholesterol can increase the risk of contracting heart disease. Should a coronary artery--an artery leading to the heart--become partially blocked by the buildup of plaque, the heart muscle may not get enough of the oxygen or nutrients it needs to function properly. This can lead to angina or chest pain. If a coronary artery should become completely blocked and the heart is cut off from all oxygen and nutrients, a heart attack will occur.
