Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is present in one’s bloodstream. In itself, cholesterol is not harmful and the compound aids in coating the outer layer of healthy cells, manufacture vitamin D, and certain hormones necessary for bodily functions.

There are two primary types, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL), and both proteins have a specific function in the bloodstream. LDL is bad cholesterol that results in a fatty plaque buildup clogging vital arteries and veins. HDL is the good cholesterol that removes and carries the fat buildup out of the circulatory system. An imbalance in HDL and LDL levels can increase the risk of the following health complications:

Coronary heart disease
High levels of bad cholesterol in the body can lead to a heavy buildup of fat deposits on the artery walls, commonly referred to as plaque. A consistent buildup of plaque can disrupt the normal blood flow in the veins, thus affecting the circulatory system. Plaque also causes atherosclerosis due to the hardening of the walls in the arteries. The reduced blood flow to vital organs in the body will also result in angina or a heart attack in case of total blockage. Chest pain is one of the primary indicators of a blocked artery. and immediate medical attention is advisable to have the condition evaluated.

Stroke
High cholesterol increases the chances of suffering from a stroke due to reduced oxygen supply to the brain. Note that the circulatory system is responsible for pumping and maintaining a fresh supply of oxygenated blood to vital organs in the body. Fat deposits due to high cholesterol levels can obstruct normal blood flow, thus cutting off fresh oxygen necessary to support healthy brain function. The risk of suffering from a stroke also increases due to an increase in the blood pressure levels as a result of artery blockage.

Diabetes
It is one of the most common health conditions in the country, and people of all ages suffer from varying levels of diabetes, from mild symptoms to life-threatening complications. Diabetes is a result of the body being unable to manufacture and maintain a steady dosage of insulin that helps break down the glucose ingested from food and beverages into energy for the body. The unprocessed glucose attaches to low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) and increases the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries.

High blood pressure
The arteries and veins are the primary channels of pumping blood to different parts of the body with the help of the circulatory system. However, high deposits of plaque and calcium in these channels will obstruct optimal blood flow, resulting in sudden spikes of blood pressure. Hypertension (high blood pressure) as a result of blocked arteries poses a serious health risk.

Multiple side effects
Medications taken to manage the symptoms of high cholesterol can also result in side effects, including a headache, difficulty in sleeping, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, and myalgia. The severity of the side effects will vary depending on the dosage of medication given and the treatment opted for to manage high cholesterol.