Cholesterol is a good friend to have, but a bad one to keep. While cholesterol is important for important body functions, an excess causes several health problems that, if left untreated, may harm you and reduce your quality of life. Cholesterol levels are considered high when your total cholesterol is greater than 200 mg/dL. This may cause plaque to accumulate in your arteries resulting in blocked and weakened vessels. Medically, this is called atherosclerosis.
Blood Vessels
Partially or completely blocked blood vessels in the extremities may cause peripheral artery disease, also called PAD. This is more common around the lower limbs, causing cramps, difficulty walking and sores. Left untreated, the limb may die and will need to be amputated. Weak plaque may also break off, forming a clot, which may travel the bloodstream, causing increased health risks like pulmonary embolism and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, PAD significantly increases the risk of a heart attack and stroke. When plaque narrows the arteries, it can lead to hypertension. Plaque-weakened arterial walls may also form an aneurysm.
Brain
When blood vessels supplying the brain get blocked, cells begin to die. The symptoms of such a block may range from those of a mini stroke to a major stroke. Weakened arteries in the brain may also bleed, also causing strokes. When a stroke occurs, some cells die and the brain cannot function properly, causing problems like weakness, muscle paralysis and an inability to feel. A 2007 study by Wayne State University suggests a possible connection between diet-induced high cholesterol and the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Heart
Gradual blockage of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart leads to coronary artery disease. When the heart does not get enough nutrients, symptoms like chest pain and chest tightness may occur. A severe form of these symptoms is called angina. Complete occlusion of one or more of these vessels results in a heart attack. Untreated or recurrent heart attacks eventually lead to heart failure. Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of death in America, according to the American Heart Association.
Other Considerations
Total cholesterol levels are just one factor in the development of these complications. Other factors include high LDL, also called "bad" cholesterol, and low HDL, or "good" cholesterol. A combination of these three factors further increase problems that may be associated with high cholesterol. Inherited traits and lifestyle choices may cause high cholesterol levels. Healthy diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and medications, however, may help lower these levels.
