Because of its
reputation as a risk factor for heart disease, people tend
to think of cholesterol only in negative terms. But
cholesterol is an important component of cell membranes and
vital to the structure and function of all of your body's
cells. Cholesterol also is a building block in the formation
of certain types of hormones.
Still, about half of American adults have blood
cholesterol levels that are higher than desirable
(hypercholesterolemia). If you're one of these people with
this largely preventable condition, you may be on the way to
heart disease.
When the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, another
blood fat, in your bloodstream become too high, your
likelihood of developing cholesterol-containing fatty
deposits (plaques) in your blood vessels increases. Over
time, plaques lead to narrowing of arteries, impeding blood
flow and creating a condition called atherosclerosis.
Narrowing of the arteries around your heart (coronary artery
disease) can prevent your heart from getting as much
oxygen-rich blood as it needs. This means an increased risk
of a heart attack. Likewise, decreased blood flow to your
brain can cause a stroke, and less blood flowing to your
lower limbs may result in exercise-related pain or even
gangrene.