Do you know cholesterols plays an important role in the functioning of the human body? It’s an insoluble, waxy like substance which travels throughout the circulatory system via lipoproteins. In a healthful system, low-density cholesterol makes its way through the bloodstream and the high-density cholesterols come along after to help clean away the excess. But, when the body begins to produce too much low-density lipoprotein and too little high-density lipoprotein, there’s no longer a way to remove the excess. Instead, it sits in the arteries and restricts the path of blood flow leading to heart and circulatory diseases – like stroke and heart attack. Further, read of the effects of high cholesterol to know more.
What does high cholesterol mean?
High cholesterol is a condition where there’s too much cholesterol in your blood. This can clog up your arteries which are the large blood vessels that carry blood around your body. However high cholesterol is common but most people don’t know its symptom until it leads to serious troubles.
Factors responsible for high cholesterol
- Eating too much-saturated fat
- Not being active enough
- Having too much body fat
- Ethnic background
- Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
- Kidney or liver disease
- An underactive thyroid gland
- Getting older
What are the effects of high cholesterol?
The occurrence of Heart attack
This is a medical emergency that happens when an artery leading to the heart becomes completely blocked – often by a clot or cut in the blood supply. In the condition, the heart muscle dies quickly. But if treated on time the early blockages can be removed.
The occurrence of Heart failure
This is different from a heart attack. Heart failure usually happens when the arteries get clogged up and the heart has to work hard to force blood around the body. It doesn’t mean your heart is about to stop working but it can cause serious troubles including breathing problems.
Leads to Angina or Chest pain
This is a dull, heavy, or tight pain in the chest which can spread to other areas like the left arm, neck, jaw or back. It results when the arteries leading to the heart have become narrowed and the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen.
Severe conditions like stroke
This is a medical crisis. It happens when an artery in or leading to the brain becomes obstructed, cutting off the blood supply. Sometimes, part of the brain dies which can cause disabilities. But getting appropriate treatment can lower the risk of long-term issues.
Peripheral arterial disease
This condition happens when one or more of the arteries leading to the legs and feet become blocked or narrowed. This can make your feet feel cold and uncomfortable, especially when walking. Sometimes, it can make you hard to walk, but the worst-case scenario is that the foot needs to be amputated (in severe occurrences).
Final words
The narrowing of the arteries and the restriction of circulation can lead to significant health concerns mentioned above. Thus, keeping an eye on your cholesterol level can improve your overall quality of life.
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