Cholesterol and you
Even if your doctor says you have a serious cholesterol problem, you may feel perfectly healthy. Cholesterol isn't painful; in fact, you probably can't feel it at all. But the consequences can be serious.
Here's why: If a cholesterol problem goes untreated, cholesterol and other substances can build up in the wall of the body's arteries. As these deposits (called "plaque") build up, the arteries become blocked. A clot that forms near the plaque can block the blood flow. When the blockage happens in the heart the result may be a heart attack.
How do arteries get blocked?
Things that travel in the bloodstream, such as cholesterol or waste from cells, can build up on the inside walls of arteries. Cholesterol along with other substances form a hard desposit called plaque. It usually happens in medium to large-sized coronary arteries.
Having plaque build up on artery walls can be very dangerous. Sometimes, plaque can become big enough to block the flow of blood through an artery. Plaque can also burst open and cause blood clots, which can block blood flow, as well. These clots can even travel to other parts of the body and can be just as dangerous as plaque. For example, if a blood vessel that goes to the heart gets blocked, you can have a heart attack.
Not all cholesterol is bad for you
While too much LDL cholesterol is bad, your HDL levels should be high. HDL removes the excess cholesterol from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is passed to the body.
Ask your doctor if your cholesterol is high, and whether certain medications may be right for you.
Learn more about
