Take a moment and consider the following scenario. You are given two choices: place a gun against your head and pull the trigger, or turn away and live a long, happy life. You might think this scenario is a bit dramatic, but it demonstrates the control you have over your health. High cholesterol is the gun, and pulling the trigger leads to blocked arteries; this can result in heart attack and stroke, which have the potential to end your life.
Cholesterol Levels
Excess amounts of cholesterol, over time, can build up along the walls of your arteries, causing them to narrow. This increases your risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Two types of cholesterol contribute to this -- low-density lipoprotein, LDL, and total cholesterol. An LDL level of 160 mg/dL or more increases your risk of heart disease, while a total cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL or greater places you in the danger zone, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Atherosclerosis
The buildup of cholesterol along the walls of your arteries creates a substance known as plaque. As plaque continues to build, your arteries begin to narrow and harden -- this condition is called atherosclerosis. Your arteries, when healthy, are flexible and strong. When excess cholesterol leads to atherosclerosis, your arteries lose their natural elasticity, restricting the flow of blood to your heart and brain. The plaque responsible for atherosclerosis can also burst, causing the formation of blood clots -- this may completely block your arteries.
Possible Complications
The health repercussions you experience depend on the arteries affected by the blood clots. Heart attacks occur when your coronary arteries, the vessels leading to your heart, become blocked. Chest pain, tightness or pain radiating around to your back are all symptoms of this condition. Strokes occur as a result of a blockage in your carotid artery. Sudden numbness on one side of your face or body, loss of vision or coordination and sudden loss of speech indicate the need for immediate medical attention. Peripheral artery disease results from a blockage in the arteries leading to your arms and legs. It reduces circulation to these areas, resulting in less sensitivity to heat or cold and increasing your risk of burns or frostbite. You may also experience pain upon walking, or you may suffer from cramping and heaviness in your hips.
Treatment
Treating blocked arteries typically requires a combination of self-care and medical therapy. Dietary and lifestyle changes to lower your cholesterol are important. This includes a low-fat, high-fiber diet that focuses on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Increasing your physical activity per your doctor's instructions, quitting smoking and losing weight may also be necessary. Cholesterol-lowering medications are another possibility, along with beta blockers. These reduce your blood pressure, thus relieving the pressure on your heart and reducing your risk of a heart attack. Medications may help slow the progression of atherosclerosis. An angioplasty is a procedure that opens a blocked artery with a mesh tube called a stent. The stent remains in the artery indefinitely. Thrombolytic therapy allows your doctor to insert a clot-dissolving drug into your artery. In severe cases, bypass surgery might be necessary.
