Adeyemi Maxwell

CHOLESTEROL IS a critical component of our body's health, but when it starts to accumulate at higher levels, it can spell trouble. Though symptoms of high cholesterol can be difficult to identify, certain symptoms and effects may manifest when cholesterol increases, indicating the need for action.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your cells and in the food you eat. While the body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, having high levels of it can increase the risk of heart disease. When we talk about high cholesterol, we are referring to elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often dubbed 'bad cholesterol.' High LDL cholesterol can lead to the accumulation of cholesterol in your blood vessels, setting the stage for various health issues. High cholesterol is a common concern and a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes.

High cholesterol doesn't typically present itself with clear warning signs, especially in the early stages. It quietly contributes to the build-up of fatty deposits in your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is like a ticking time bomb within your blood vessels. The gradual build-up of cholesterol plaques can restrict blood flow, increasing the risk of serious complications. Over time, these plaques can harden, leading to even more significant problems.

Health risks of high cholesterol

Chest pain or angina

As cholesterol builds up in your arteries, it can restrict blood flow to your heart. This can result in chest pain, known as angina, which is a common early symptom. Angina is often described as a discomfort, pressure, or pain in the chest. It occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. While angina is not a heart attack, it's a warning sign that your heart is not getting enough blood and oxygen.

Heart attack

When an artery becomes completely blocked due to cholesterol build-up, it can lead to a heart attack. This is a life-threatening event that requires immediate medical attention. A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when a portion of the heart muscle is deprived of blood flow for an extended period, leading to damage - or death - of the heart tissue.

The most common cause of heart attacks is the rupture of a cholesterol plaque, which triggers the formation of a blood clot that obstructs the artery.

Stroke

Cholesterol-laden plaques in the arteries can also block blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. Strokes can have severe and long-lasting consequences. A stroke happens when the blood supply to a part of your brain is suddenly interrupted or reduced, leading to damage or death of brain cells. Cholesterol plaques in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain, can break loose and travel to the brain, causing a blockage.

Peripheral artery disease

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