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Effects of High Cholesterol on the Heart

The heart is the muscle that pumps blood throughout the body. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. One common factor of heart disease is high cholesterol. High cholesterol has negative effects on the heart.

  1. Facts

    • Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance that is often found in meat and dairy products. The body requires a small level of cholesterol to produce hormones and vitamin D. HDL, or high-density lipoproteins, is a beneficial form of cholesterol. HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood stream. LDL, or low-density lipoproteins, is a bad form of cholesterol. LDL creates cholesterol deposits that clog blood vessels.

    High Cholesterol

    • High cholesterol has no symptoms. There are special blood tests that can be used to test your cholesterol level. The heart requires a steady supply of blood. When LDL blocks the arteries, it restricts the blood flow to the heart. This can cause a heart attack by starving the heart of blood, oxygen and nutrients. This kills heart cells.

    Heart Disease

    • Atherosclerosis is the hardening of the arteries. Cholesterol attaches itself to the blood-vessel walls. This build-up is termed plaque and over time causes the hardening of your arteries. This prevents the blood from getting to your heart fast enough for regular heart function. In severe cases, this can stop the blood flow entirely. When this occurs in the coronary arteries, it is called coronary heart disease.

    Angina

    • When large deposits of plaque cause chest pain, it means that the heart is being starved of oxygen-rich blood. Sometimes deposits can break free and cause blood clots. This can potently block blood flow. This is called angina, or heart attack. Angina is a common symptom of coronary heart disease. It is a warning sign that your cholesterol levels need to be brought under control.

    Reduction

    • What you eat can influence your cholesterol level. Eating an abundance of saturated fat will cause high levels of cholesterol to build up in the blood. Being overweight also tends to increase cholesterol levels. Physical activity can lower LDL and raise HDL levels. It is best to try to be active on a regular schedule of around 30 minutes each day.

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