High cholesterol is becoming a large problem in America. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 17 percent of American adults have high cholesterol (above 240 mg/dl). High cholesterol does not have any warning signs so it is important to have your levels checked regularly to prevent an issue from occurring.
Atherosclerosis
High cholesterol, particularly LDL, leads to a plaque build-up in the arteries known as atherosclerosis. High levels of HDL can help prevent this from occurring as it is responsible for removing the LDL from the system.
Angina
Atherosclerosis is just the beginning of the potential dangers of high cholesterol. Once this plaque builds up, it can cause what is called angina, a pain in the chest, which often can lead to a heart attack.
Heart Attack
If the atherosclerosis is allowed to build up in the arteries in and around the heart, a lack of blood flow will occur, leading to death of the tissue. This is more commonly known as a heart attack.
Stroke
Plaque build-up can also occur in the brain. A large enough build-up will have a similar effect as one around the heart, only this would lead to a stroke.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Atherosclerosis can also occur in the limbs. When this happens, it is referred to as peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral vascular disease has the same effect as blockages in the heart and brain, cutting off blood supply, which causes tissue death. If allowed to go unchecked, peripheral vascular disease can lead to gangrene, which often leads to the affected limb being amputated.
