What is cholesterol?
Other names: High density lipoproteins (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), Triglycerides
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body uses to protect nerves, make cell tissues and produce certain hormones. Most of the cholesterol in your body is produced by the liver. The body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to function properly. But too much cholesterol in the blood can stick to artery walls. This is called plaque. The plaques can narrow the arteries or even block them. Some cholesterol comes from foods such as eggs, meat and dairy products.
Why a high cholesterol level unhealthy?
Although for good health requires some cholesterol, too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.
The excess cholesterol is in your blood can be stored within the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body and are known as arteries. The accumulation of cholesterol called plaque inside their arteries will cause them to narrow. This is called atherosclerosis. Large deposits of cholesterol can completely block the artery so that blood can not flow through it.
If coronary artery is the vessel that supplies blood to the muscles in your heart becomes blocked, it may be a heart attack. If an artery that supplies blood to your brain becomes blocked, a stroke can occur.
Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age. Increased cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms but can be detected by a blood test. You have the chance to have a high cholesterol level if you have a family history, overweight, or eat a lot of greasy foods.
