Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is essential in a properly functioning body. Some of the cholesterol we need is produced naturally, while some of it comes from our diets, according to the American Heart Association. Cholesterol aids in hormone production and the formation of cell membranes; however, in excess, it is responsible for a variety of diseases. There are two forms of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL), known as "good" cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as "bad" cholesterol.
Angina
Angina is chest pain or discomfort that can radiate or start in the shoulders, back, neck, jaw or arms. It occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood, according to MedlinePlus. High blood cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque on the arterial walls, which results in an inadequate blood supply to the heart, causing angina. There are three types of angina: stable, unstable and variant. Both stable and variant angina are not very severe and occur during times when the heart is working faster than normal like during times of increased physical activity. Both usually respond well to medication, according to MayoClinic.com. Unstable angina, however, is an emergency condition and usually indicates the beginning of a heart attack. Symptoms of unstable angina occur during a state of rest.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol and other substances found in the blood, builds up in the arteries. Since there are no symptoms of high blood cholesterol, it is quite common to develop atherosclerosis if you do not properly monitor your cholesterol levels. As plaque builds up within the arteries, over time, the walls harden and obstruct blood flow to the organs and other parts of the body, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. This condition can affect any major or minor artery within the body like the heart, brain, arms, pelvis and legs. Atherosclerosis can lead to heart attack and stroke.
Arterial Disease
There are two forms of arterial disease associated with cholesterol: carotid arterial disease and peripheral arterial disease. The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain on either side of the neck. If cholesterol levels are high and collect on the arterial walls, you may experience an inadequate blood flow leading to stroke, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms include a sudden onset of numbness or weakness, slurred speech and sudden blindness. Peripheral arterial disease refers to the arteries running to the legs, arms and pelvis where painful cramps in the thigh or calf muscles may indicate its presence. Additional symptoms include leg numbness, weakness, coldness in the legs or feet, color change in the legs or erectile dysfunction, MayoClinic.com notes.
