Cholesterol is vital to having a normally functioning body. It is a wax-like substance that is present in all areas of the body and helps to produce hormones, bile and vitamin D. However, cholesterol is dangerous when it is in high amounts in the bloodstream.
Types of Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol that are directly linked with your health: low-density cholesterol (LDL) and high-density cholesterol (HDL).
Causes
A high-fat diet, hereditary conditions, weight, age, small amount of physical activity and alcohol use promote high levels of low-density cholesterol, which is detrimental to your health.
Effects of High Cholesterol
High levels of LDL leads to blockage in the arteries by forming plaque, which increases the risk of a heart attack. In addition to a higher risk of heart attack, having high cholesterol also increases the risk for strokes, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and an irregular heart rhythm.
How High Cholesterol Affects You
The effect of high cholesterol depends on how much the plaque blocks the artery. If the plaque completely blocks an artery, the effects will be much more severe than if the plaque only partially blocks an artery.
Cost of High Cholesterol
Maintaining a high cholesterol level will lead to high medical costs in the form of medication and possible hospitalization.
Preventing High Cholesterol Levels
The easiest way to prevent high cholesterol is to exercise regularly, eat foods that are rich in fiber and carbohydrates instead of fat, and to maintain a healthy body weight.
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