What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol
is a waxy substance your body uses to protect nerves, make cell tissues
and produce certain hormones. All the
cholesterol your body needs is
made by your liver. Cholesterol in the food you eat (such as eggs,
meats and dairy products) is extra, and too much cholesterol can have
negative impacts on your health.
Why is a high cholesterol level unhealthy?
While
some cholesterol is needed for good health, too much cholesterol in
your blood can raise your risk of having a
heart attack or stroke.The
extra cholesterol in your blood may be stored in your
arteries (blood
vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body).
Buildup of cholesterol (called plaque) in your arteries will cause your
arteries to narrow and harden (called atherosclerosis). Large deposits
of cholesterol can completely block an artery.If an
artery that
supplies blood to the muscles in your heart becomes blocked, a heart
attack can occur. If an artery that supplies blood to your brain
becomes blocked, a stroke can occur.
More abstracts about the Cholesterol: What Your Level Means