EFFECTS OF CHOLESTEROL ON THE BODY
Cholesterol is a fatty substance or lipid found in your body and many foods. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells in which a high level of cholesterol can damage your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease.
Forms of Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad” unhealthy kind of cholesterol.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a “good” healthy kind of cholesterol. It can be inherited, but it’s often the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, which are preventable and treatable.
Symptoms
High cholesterol has no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to detect if you have it.
Risk Factor
Obesity, Diabetes, Age, Lack of exercise, Smoking
Complications
High cholesterol reduces blood flow through your arteries hence causing chest pain, stroke, or heart attack.
Prevention
- Eat a low-salt diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables
- Exercise and manage stress
- Quit smoking
Summary
Your body needs cholesterol to function normally and makes all that you need. Too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries. If your test results aren’t within desirable ranges, your doctor might recommend more frequent measurements. Factors you can control are inactivity, obesity, and an unhealthy diet contribute to high cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol. Factors beyond your control might play a role, too.
