Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in cells in the body and in the bloodstream. The body needs cholesterol to perform normal functions such as vitamin D, hormones and substances that aid the digestive process. Cholesterol is produced by the body and is carried in the bloodstream by lipoproteins, which have proteins on the outside and fat on the inside. The two types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol in the bloodstream are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL cholesterol is considered the good cholesterol because HDL carries cholesterol to the liver for removal from the bloodstream. High LDL cholesterol can lead to harmful health effects.
Atherosclerosis
High cholesterol over time can cause the build-up of cholesterol on the walls of arteries. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood that is oxygen-rich to the heart and other parts of the body. The build-up of cholesterol is also called plaque, which causes a narrowing of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. This condition can lead to strokes and heart attacks, often fatal.
Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is characterized by the narrowing of the coronary arteries and can result from the build-up of cholesterol. Coronary arteries are the arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart. With coronary artery disease, the heart does not get enough oxygen, especially when it is working harder, which occurs during physical activity. Plaque can continue to build up with coronary artery disease. Symptoms of this disease include angina, which is chest pain, and shortness of breath.
Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to part of the heart becomes blocked. This blockage causes heart tissue to be starved of oxygen and die or permanently damaged. This condition is also called a myocardial infarction. It can result from part of the plaque on the artery coming off and becoming a blood clot. Heart attacks can lead to death.
