A waxy substance called cholesterol is present in both your blood and your cells. Most of the cholesterol in your body is produced by your liver. The rest of it comes from the food you eat. Packets of cholesterol called lipoproteins are carried in your blood. There are two types of cholesterol:
The bad and dangerous form of cholesterol is called low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL cholesterol can accumulate in your arteries and form plaques, which are fatty, waxy deposits.
The good and healthy type of cholesterol is called high-density lipoprotein (HDL). It carries excess cholesterol from your arteries to your liver, where it is eliminated from your system. High cholesterol levels affect the body much more than imagined.
From stroke to gallstones, high cholesterol affects every part of the body. Read more to know.
1. Stroke
Cholesterol deposits in the arteries can block a particular blood vessel to the brain and cause a stroke.
2. Memory is affected
Too much cholesterol buildup in the arteries can contribute to heart disease and stroke, which also puts memory problems at risk. High cholesterol in itself has been linked to dementia and other debilitating diseases.
3. Chest Pain
The lack of sufficient oxygen in the heart can cause angina- severe chest pain at regular intervals.
4. Heart Attack
High levels of LDL inside the arteries can block blood flow to the heart muscle resulting in death from a heart attack.
5. Gallstones
Too much cholesterol can lead to gallstones resulting in sudden and painful abdominal pain.
6. Numbness in feet
Hardening of the arteries can cause numbness in your legs and feet, which can affect your range of motion.
Cholesterol in itself is not harmful. Your body needs cholesterol for the production of hormones, vitamin D and digestive juices. Cholesterol also helps your organs function properly. Still, too much LDL cholesterol can be harmful.
Also read: Causes Of High Blood Sugar: 7 Surprising, Daily Things That Can Raise Your Insulin Levels
Tips to Manage Cholesterol
– Lifestyle changes
– exercise
– dietary supplements
– Quit smoking and alcohol
You can read more of these tips Here.
(Disclaimer: The article is based on general information. Zee News does not confirm this.)