High LDL cholesterol is harmful to heart health. Knowing how high cholesterol affects your heart helps you take steps to protect it. Let’s look at five ways high LDL cholesterol harms your heart.
Atherosclerosis happens when plaque builds up in arteries, making them narrow and hard. High LDL cholesterol causes plaque, which restricts blood flow to the heart and increases the chances of heart attacks and other heart issues.
Causes High Blood Pressure
High LDL cholesterol can lead to high blood pressure. When cholesterol clogs arteries, it makes it hard for blood to flow, causing the heart to work extra hard to pump blood. This can lead to high blood pressure, a major risk for heart disease.
Boosts Heart Disease Risk
High LDL cholesterol greatly increases heart disease risk. Cholesterol plaques can break and form clots that block blood flow to the heart. This can cause heart attacks and permanent heart damage. People with high cholesterol have a higher risk of coronary artery disease.
Damages Blood Vessels
High LDL cholesterol harms blood vessels. Cholesterol buildup can make arteries less flexible and more prone to damage. This can result in conditions like peripheral artery disease, which reduces blood flow to the limbs and increases the risk of infections and tissue damage.
Increases Stroke Risk
People with high LDL cholesterol have a higher chance of stroke. Plaques can break and cause blood clots that block blood flow to the brain, leading to stroke and brain damage. Controlling cholesterol is crucial for reducing stroke risk.
How To Keep Cholesterol Levels Under Check
High LDL cholesterol has serious effects on your heart. It raises the risk of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Managing cholesterol through lifestyle changes and medication is key to protecting your heart. By adopting heart-healthy habits and working with healthcare providers, you can control your cholesterol and keep your heart healthy.