How Does High Cholesterol Cause Heart Disease?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in your blood that builds up in the walls of your arteries. Cholesterol is normal, and cholesterol is used by your body for producing cell membranes and some hormones. Over time, however, high levels of cholesterol can cause plaque, or "hardening of the arteries." When this happens, the coronary arteries, which carry oxygen to the heart, become narrow and blood flow to the heart is slowed down or blocked. If there is not enough blood and oxygen reaching your heart, you may suffer chest pain, and if the blood supply to the heart is completely cut off, the result is a heart attack. If blood flow to the brain is blocked, this may result in a stroke. Cholesterol and other fats do not dissolve in your blood. They are transported to and from the cells by special carriers called lipoproteins. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as the "bad" cholesterol. Too much of it can clog your arteries. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is known as the "good" cholesterol. It carries cholesterol away from your arteries so it can be removed by your liver. High levels of HDL cholesterol may lessen your risk of a heart attack. Lowering cholesterol levels that are too high reduces the risk for developing heart disease and the chance of a heart attack. This is important for everyone, men, women, and children.

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