Introduction
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the bloodstream and in all of your body’s cells. It plays an important role in the production of hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help you digest fat. But too much cholesterol can be dangerous. High cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries, which can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. In this article, we’ll discuss what cholesterol does to your body and how you can reduce your risk of high cholesterol by making healthier food choices. We’ll also provide some tips on how to eat healthier and reduce your cholesterol levels.
This is What Cholesterol Does to Your Body
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. It is an essential part of a healthy body, but too much of it can be dangerous. High cholesterol levels can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and even death. So, what exactly does cholesterol do to your body?
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of lipid, or fat, that is found in the bloodstream and in all of your body’s cells. It is produced by the liver and is also found in certain foods, such as eggs, dairy products, and meat. Cholesterol is necessary for the body to function properly, as it helps to produce hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids that help to digest fat.
What Happens When You Have Too Much Cholesterol?
When you have too much cholesterol in your body, it can build up in your arteries and form plaque. This plaque can narrow or block the arteries, which can lead to a variety of health problems. High cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. It can also increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
How to Lower Your Cholesterol Levels
The best way to lower your cholesterol levels is to make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. Eating foods that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help to reduce your cholesterol levels. Regular exercise can also help to lower your cholesterol levels, as it helps to burn off excess cholesterol in the body. If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your cholesterol levels, your doctor may prescribe medication to help.
Conclusion
Cholesterol is an essential part of a healthy body, but too much of it can be dangerous. High cholesterol levels can lead to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and even death. To lower your cholesterol levels, it is important to make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medication to help.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in your blood that helps build healthy cells, but too much is dangerous. Anything about 200 mg/dL or higher is considered a health risk and although high cholesterol is known as a “silent killer” because there’s often no signs and the common condition can lead to serious issues like stroke or heart disease, you can prevent it. Getting a routine blood test to check your cholesterol is always advisable and lifestyle choices like not smoking, exercising 150 minutes a week and eating a healthy diet helps maintain a normal level. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Sean Marchese, MS, RN, a registered nurse at The Mesothelioma Center with a background in oncology clinical trials and over 20 years of direct patient care experience who shares what cholesterol can do to your body. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Marchese explains, “One of the most dangerous facets of cholesterol is atherosclerosis, the build-up of plaque in arteries. The most dangerous place this can occur is the coronary artery, which delivers oxygen to the heart tissue. This condition, known as coronary artery disease, is the number one cause of death in the U.S.”
Marchese tells us, “High cholesterol damages arteries by creating plaque that prohibits blood flow and restricts oxygen delivery. When this occurs in the coronary arteries that feed the heart, the heart becomes weaker and no longer pumps blood efficiently. Chest pain is the earliest sign of a heart attack signaled by heart tissue decaying from a lack of oxygen.”
“In addition to heart attack, atherosclerosis reduces the ability of the heart to pump blood through the body,” Marchese says. “This makes it easier for blood to clot either in distant veins or within the heart itself. Clots can travel to the lungs and form a pulmonary embolism, signaled by shortness of breath or cough, that restricts oxygen to the body and can be fatal. A clot that travels to the brain will limit blood to vital brain tissue and cause an ischemic stroke, leading to permanent loss of function or death if not treated immediately.”
According to Marchese, “High cholesterol can also cause high blood pressure. As plaque accumulates in the arteries, they become stiff and narrow, and blood flow is restricted. Your heart must work harder to move blood through the body. This extra effort increases the pressure within arteries and can weaken blood vessel walls over time.”
Marchese shares, “Chronic high cholesterol levels damage blood vessels throughout the body and can lead to peripheral artery disease. This condition makes it more difficult for your body to move blood through your arms or legs. Peripheral artery disease can create cramping throughout the affected limb, which may resolve as you stand or walk around. A classic sign of PAD is fluid retention or edema as it becomes more difficult for peripheral veins to clear fluid and blood out of the legs. PAD can also lead to deep vein thrombosis, a type of clot that often leads to pulmonary embolism or stroke.”
Heather Newgen