Cholesterol is a substance which is essential to the normal function of the body as it is used in the production of hormones and bile acids. However, when present in excessive quantities, this can lead to life threatening complications. Cholesterol which is not utilized by the body is deposited in the arteries, causing this plaque build up to narrow the arteries and reduces or blocks the blood supply. This can happen to different parts of the body and the repercussions can be fatal. For example, when the coronary arteries are blocked with cholesterol deposits, angina or chest pain can result in while the risks of heart attacks can increase while blockages in carotid arteries can cause strokes by blocked bloody supply to the brain. When peripheral artery disease results from cholesterol deposits, the leg arteries are blocked, causing difficulties in walking. In addition to the adverse health effects resulting from blocked arteries, there is also the risk of plaques rapture which can result in blood clots. Blood clots in arteries can be life threatening, completely cutting off blood supply to critical organs or areas of body and cells may die from lack of oxygen. (more…)

There’s a lot of talk about cholesterol, and much of it is confusing to the uninitiated. That’s largely because there are two kinds of cholesterol,”good” cholesterol called HDL (short for high density lipoprotein) which doctors like to see at high levels in your body, and “bad” cholesterol called LDL (low density lipoprotein) which doctors like better at low levels. Adding to the confusion is the fact that good cholesterol helps combat bad cholesterol, clearing it from your blood.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance in the blood stream. Most cholesterol is produced by your liver, but some comes from eating animal products like meat, poultry, dairy and eggs. Your body needs cholesterol to create cell membranes, hormones, bile and vitamin D. But too much LDL cholesterol can clog your arteries with a thick plaque, causing them to harden and narrow.  The resulting reduction in blood flow can put you at risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease.
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