Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is made in the body and is found in all cells of the body. Cholesterol can also be obtained from the diet. Cholesterol is used in the body to make hormones, vitamin D and substances to aid in digestion. Cholesterol is needed to build healthy cells, although too much cholesterol in the body can increase the risk of heart disease. Too much low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" kind, can build up in the arteries forming plaque that can narrow the arteries.
Chest Pain
One disadvantage of high cholesterol is that it can cause atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of cholesterol causing hardening of the arteries. This built-up cholesterol in the arteries is known as plaque. Plaque can block blood flow through arteries, which can lead to further complications. If large amounts of plaque affect the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, chest pain or angina may be the result. Angina is the result of the heart not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood. Angina is a typical symptom of coronary heart disease.
Heart Attack
A heart attack can be the result of a tear or rupture of a coronary artery due to the accumulation of plaque blocking the flow of blood to an artery, another negative aspect of high cholesterol. When blood flow in a coronary artery stops, a heart attack is the result. Plaque can also cause a rupture, releasing cholesterol and fat into the bloodstream. The release of cholesterol and fat into the bloodstream can cause a blood clot. A blood clot can block the flow of blood and can potentially cause a heart attack. Lowering cholesterol levels can reduce plaque buildup or can reduce the chances of having plaque burst and cause a heart attack.
Stroke
High cholesterol is one of the major controllable risk factors for having a stroke. If blood flow is blocked to part of the brain because a buildup of plaque is blocking an artery, a stroke can result. Elevated LDL cholesterol levels can slowly build up in the arteries that feed the brain. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, a stroke can result.
