Our bodies need cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of serious health conditions like heart diseases. There are two main types of cholesterol – low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is the bad cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is the good cholesterol.
High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to develop in your blood vessels. If proper steps are not taken, these deposits will build up and can block the flow of blood in the arteries. Sometimes, these deposits can form a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke.
High cholesterol can be inherited, but it is usually caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices. On the bright side, with lifestyle modifications, these can be changed and potential health scares can be avoided. What you eat is such an important factor in preventing high cholesterol levels.