Cholesterol
Cholesterol is produced in the body and found in many foods, such as meat and full-fat dairy products. The waxy substance circulates through the body as it travels through the blood to help produce cell membranes, hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D. That’s right, cholesterol is actually necessary for the production of vital elements, so some is good for the body. The problem occurs when too much excess cholesterol forms plaque in the layers of the artery walls, blocking blood from circulating freely through the arteries to the heart and brain. When plaque breaks open it sometimes causes blood clots. A clot can block an artery that feeds the brain’s blood supply. When this happens, a stroke may occur. If the clot blocks an artery that leads directly to the heart, a heart attack can occur as well.
Controllable Risk Factors
You can lower your cholesterol levels by making simple lifestyle changes. According to the American Heart Association, these may significantly lower your risk for coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Fortunately high cholesterol is one of the controllable risk factors associated with these conditions.
Your risk of coronary heart disease is higher if you have high cholesterol and:
You smoke
You have a family health history of high cholesterol
You have high blood pressure or diabetes
Gender - Male 45+, Female 55+
Diet - You eat foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, full-fat dairy, fast food
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