What Are the Dangers of High Cholesterol?

Although many people like to enjoy a delicious cheeseburger or a rack of ribs from time to time, excessive consumption of high-fat foods often leads to an increase in the body's cholesterol levels. Left unchecked, high cholesterol may result in potentially fatal conditions such as heart disease, heart attack or stroke. The best way to manage cholesterol is to learn about the risks of high cholesterol and devise a plan to keep your cholesterol in the American Heart Association's recommended range.

Identification

• High cholesterol is identified by a simple blood test administered after an evening of fasting. If your test reveals a total cholesterol level of over 200 milligrams per deciliter or higher, you are considered at borderline-high risk for complications according to the American Heart Association. Meanwhile, levels over 240 mg/dL are considered dangerously high.

  A cholesterol test also highlights sub-cholesterols known as HDL (high density lipoprotein) and LDL (low density lipoprotein). High LDL (also known as "bad cholesterol") has an especially negative impact on the body. On the other hand, high HDL levels actually protect the body against heart attack and stroke. The AHA defines borderline-high LDL levels as anything above 130 mg/dL, with levels above 180 mg/dL considered extremely high. HDL levels above 60 mg/dL may have protective properties, while anything above 40 mg/dL is deemed normal.

Effects

• Over time, high cholesterol lipoproteins leave fat deposits on the body's blood vessels. Like a clogged drain, this build-up (known as plaque) restricts blood flow through your body. A slightly blocked artery may not have any noticeable effect, but once the plaque obstructs a larger segment of one of your body's arteries, major complications may ensue. At first, you may experience chest pain (angina) as inadequate levels of blood reach the heart. However, sometimes you will have no warning signs before high cholesterol wreaks havoc on your body.

Major Complications

• If blood flow does not reach the heart, it will not get recirculated through the body and the heart will suffer as a result. This process often leads to a heart attack as the heart fails to receive enough oxidized blood. Depending on the location of the blockage, blood may not reach the brain. When this happens, a stroke often occurs. You will experience another major high cholesterol complication if a piece of plaque becomes dislodged. The blood clot that forms in its place may also become dislodged and block other arteries in your body, increasing your risk of a heart attack.

Lowering Cholesterol with Diet and Lifestyle

• If your cholesterol test reveals high cholesterol levels, you should attempt to lower your cholesterol, especially your LDL levels. In the process, you want to raise your HDL levels because HDL may help to prevent plaque build-up. The first step to a healthy cholesterol level is to eat foods that are low in harmful saturated and trans fats. Seek out foods that contain "good" monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as nuts, olive oil and avocados. If you smoke, quit. In addition, exercise at least five times a week. Exercise will help to stabilize your cholesterol and improve your LDL/HDL ratio.

Lowering Cholesterol with Medicine

• Some people's cholesterol levels may not respond to diet and lifestyle changes alone. Your doctor may prescribe medicined such as statins to prevent cholesterol formation. Other effective cholesterol lowering medications include bile-acid-binding resins and cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Talk to your doctor about the best cholesterol medicine options for you. As you take your medicine, remember that you still must exercise and eat a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats. Cholesterol medicine does not give you a "free pass" to lead an unhealthy life.