The combination of excess cholesterol and plaque can narrow the arteries and lead to heart disease. The body uses cholesterol to make hormones and other substances in the cells and produces all the cholesterol it needs, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Cholesterol, a fatty, waxy substance, also comes from foods. High intake of saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol in the diet can result in excess cholesterol in the bloodstream.
Effects
Doctors sometimes call low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol the "bad" cholesterol. It forms plaque on the inner walls of the arteries. Over time, the plaque interferes with blood flow from the heart to other parts of the body and narrows the arteries. The process leads to atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. The amount of oxygen-rich blood decreases and leads to heart disease. Angina, a chest pain and symptom of heart disease, occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood.
Rupture
In more serious cases, the plaques can rupture and send cholesterol and fat into the bloodstream. The blood clotting can completely block the flow of blood and cause a heart attack or stroke.
Removal
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol can prevent the development of excess cholesterol and plaque in the arteries. This "good" cholesterol takes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it to the liver, which treats the cholesterol as waste and removes it from the body.
Reduction
Reducing the risk of unhealthy cholesterol and plaque buildup in the blood involves lifestyle changes. Diet, exercise and overall healthy living can decrease LDL cholesterol levels and also increase HDL levels. During cholesterol tests, doctors measure LDL and HDL levels. Low levels of LDL and high levels of HDL indicate a lowered risk of having plaque buildup and heart disease.
Diet
Choosing foods low in saturated fat, which is often found in red meat and dairy products, can help lower LDL cholesterol levels, MayoClinic.com notes. Eliminating trans fats from the diet helps lower LDL levels. Fried foods and commercially baked products often contain trans fats, which raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL levels. You can also limit consumption of cholesterol, which comes from organ meats, egg yolks and whole milk products.
Healthy Lifestyle
Exercising at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week helps raise HDL cholesterol, MayoClinic.com explains. Smokers can raise their HDL levels by giving up smoking. Moderate drinking of alcohol may increase HDL cholesterol. Moderate drinking involves no more than two drinks a day for men and no more than one drink a day for women. However, drinking alcohol in excess can cause high blood pressure and heart damage.
