What Is High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. We all need some cholesterol to stay healthy, but too much can increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart attacks and strokes.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
Cholesterol levels can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Diet and lifestyle
- Genetics (family history)
- Health conditions such as diabetes
Anyone can have high cholesterol — even if you are young, slim, eat well, and exercise regularly. In some cases, high cholesterol is inherited.
How High Cholesterol Affects the Body
Excess cholesterol can build up in the arteries that carry blood around the body. Over time, this causes the arteries to become narrower and less flexible, making it harder for blood to flow freely. This can lead to blood clots and increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The image shown demonstrates how fatty deposits can narrow an artery, restricting blood flow.
Why Cholesterol Checks Are Important
High cholesterol is very common, but most people are unaware they have it because it does not usually cause symptoms. That’s why regular cholesterol checks are important for everyone.
Managing High Cholesterol
There are effective treatments available for high cholesterol. In many cases, cholesterol levels can also be reduced through healthy lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight.
