Cholesterol, or lipids, consists of a waxy substance that the body absorbs from ingested food and also produces in the liver and fat cells. There are several types of cholesterol; some are beneficial to the body and function in producing hormones, absorbing vitamin D and aiding digestion. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute warns that other types of cholesterol are harmful to the body and can cause permanent effects. Cholesterol levels may become elevated due to poor nutrition, low activity levels or a genetic predisposition to high lipid levels.
Heart Disease
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute notes high cholesterol levels in the blood reflect one of the major risk factors for heart disease. The heart is directly affected when cholesterol accumulates in the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle itself with oxygenated blood and nutrients. In many cases, this condition can be treated only with angioplasty procedures, which use a balloon to open the arteries, or bypass surgery, which transplants an artery over the blockages.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a disease of the vascular system in which cholesterol damages the arteries. "Athero" is a lump of soft, fatty material, and "sclerosis" is thickening and hardening; hence, this process is a disorder that occurs when cholesterol deposits inside the blood vessels cause hardening and narrowing of the arteries. The Cleveland Clinic explains that other reactions that occur due to these blockages further weaken the walls of the blood vessels, making it difficult for them to expand and contract during blood flow. Atherosclerosis can lead to peripheral vascular disease, which may affect any artery systems in the body, including those in the kidneys, liver and eyes. If this condition causes reduced blood flow to the brain, a transient ischemic attack or stroke can occur.
Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a balloon-like swelling of an artery that may occur when the walls of the blood vessel are weakened due to high levels of cholesterol in the body. The weakened artery wall is unable to contract and bulges out. An aneurysm can lead to blood clots and even ruptures of the blood vessel in some cases. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that without treatment, an aneurysm anywhere in the body can burst, causing death. The most common sites for an aneurysm are in the brain, the abdominal artery and the popliteal artery, which is behind the knee.
Claudication
Claudication is indicated by pain, cramps and an uncomfortable heavy feeling in the legs while walking, or even during rest or sleep in more severe cases. This disorder occurs when high blood cholesterol levels lead to damage of the blood vessels of the limbs, usually the legs. The cholesterol causes the blood vessels to narrow, so they are unable to adequately transport vital oxygen and nutrients to the limbs. During activity, when the legs need more energy, claudication can cause pain and muscle cramping, as blood flow cannot be increased effectively. The MayoClinic.com reports that if this condition is not treated, it may progress to death of the tissues in the limbs, causing necrosis or gangrene.
Arcus Senilis
Arcus senilis is an accumulation of cholesterol around the cornea of the eyes. It typically occurs in elderly patients with high blood cholesterol levels. Arcus senilis is noticeable as a gray-white line around the cornea that lies over the iris of the eye. It does not affect vision.
