Harmful Effects of High Cholesterol on the Body.

Having studied about Cholesterol and Benefits of Cholesterol, it is time to know what complications cholesterol can have on our body.

Cholesterol is transported in the blood in combination with proteins and this combination is called Lipoprotein. As long as blood cholesterol levels are within normal limits, cholesterol causes no harm. It is when the blood cholesterol levels rise, that cholesterol can be dangerous. We refer here to LDL cholesterol.

And it is the LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) type of cholesterol combination that can cause serious harm. LDL transports the cholesterol through blood from the liver, where the cholesterol is produced, to the different parts of the body for uptake by the cells of various tissues.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance in nature. High levels cause this waxy cholesterol to get stuck or get deposited on the arterial walls. These deposits are called plaques.

When this goes on over a period of time, the lumen of the artery goes on narrowing. Certain arteries which are relatively narrow, like the coronary arteries of the heart get blocked  and blood supply is stopped. When  this blood supply to the heart gets stopped, you get a heart attack.

Picture of Plaque formation or Atherosclerosis

At times, the plaque gets ruptured and flows freely in the blood as what is called a clot or a thrombus. This travelling clot or thrombus or more commonly embolus may get lodged anywhere  and present complications pertaining to the site where it is lodged. Such a condition is called thrombosis.

• The embolus may get lodged in the lungs and can cause pulmonary embolism. This almost always results in death.
• The embolus may get lodged in the lower extremeties when it causes pain, swelling and redness of the legs.
• It may get lodged in the heart where it causes a cardiac stroke.
• The clot may get lodged in the brain when it causes a stroke.

It is quite clear that complications of high cholesterol levels in the blood can be quite serious.

Action Steps: Have your cholesterol levels checked at regular periods as suggested in the article on Cholesterol.

Related posts:

1. High Cholesterol Treatment.
2. 7 Health Benefits of Cholesterol|Functions of Cholesterol.
3. High Blood Pressure Complications|Hypertension Complications.
4. Cholesterol Foods.
5. Causes of Cholesterol.
6. HDL – High Density Lipoprotein.
7. How to Lower Cholesterol with Lifestyle Changes.
8. Cholesterol Levels.