How High Cholesterol Leads to Blocked Arteries?

The most common term heard by most people during their routine checkups on their health is cholesterol. Physicians tend to discuss high cholesterol, but not everyone knows the reason why it is important. Cholesterol is not necessarily bad. Actually, your body requires it to remain healthy. It is significant to the production of cells and the creation of specific hormones. The issue arises only at the point when cholesterol level becomes excessive, and it may have some health consequences.

However, too much of it, especially of the wrong kind, can quietly damage your arteries. Thus, putting you at risk of different diseases, including heart disease and stroke. It is essential to learn to avoid blocked arteries that can be the result of high cholesterol. You can take control of your heart system with the knowledge of the causes, effects, and methods of prevention.

Cholesterol and Its Importance?

Cholesterol is a type of fat. It can be found in all of your body cells. Most of the cholesterol is produced by the liver. The food you eat also provides you with a certain amount of cholesterol. Cholesterol has several functions:

• It assists in the creation of cell membranes.
• It assists in the creation of hormones.
• It aids in the breakdown of fats with the aid of bile acids.

Your body cannot work well without cholesterol. The issues begin when the cholesterol level exceeds the normal range. Excessive cholesterol remains insoluble in the blood. There are actually the lipoproteins that serve as the carrier of cholesterol.

Differences between Good and Bad Cholesterol

Cholesterol is not as bad as it is claimed. Two different types of cholesterol are listed below:

1. Low-Density lipoprotein (LDL)

It is responsible for transporting cholesterol in the body. At high levels, it puts cholesterol on the walls of arteries. This causes blockages and predisposes to heart disease.

2. High-Density lipoprotein (HDL)

HDL is used in cleaning up the additional cholesterol in the blood. It takes it to the liver, where it can be processed. The elevated amount of HDL helps in treating the blocked arteries. There must be a balanced ratio of LDL and HDL. To prevent any obstruction in the arteries high level of HDL and a low level of LDL are required.

Causes of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol has several lifestyle and genetic dispositions. Common causes include:

• Consumption of processed food materials and meals that contain saturated fat may increase bad cholesterol.
• Exercise will reduce bad cholesterol and possibly increase good cholesterol.
• Gain of extra weight causes the body to maintain a cholesterol check.
• Smoking leads to the deterioration of blood vessels, hence making cholesterol easily deposited.
• Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder that leads to excessively high levels of cholesterol.
• Aging is also a factor that leads to an increase in cholesterol.

Cholesterol and Its Detrimental Affect on the Arteries

In case of accumulation of LDL cholesterol, it adheres to the walls of the arteries. This accumulation results in deposition known as plaques. Plaques make your arteries smaller; this reduces blood flow. With time, this leaves the arteries hardened. This is referred to as atherosclerosis, and it strains your heart to pump blood.

Even the plaque may burst, leading to the obstruction of arteries by clots of blood. Plaque is usually along with inflammation. The continual inflammation may destroy the arteries and accelerate the development of heart diseases. This can be further worsened by poor lifestyle habits.

Symptoms of Blocked Arteries You Shouldn’t Ignore

Clogged arteries may not have any evident symptoms. This is the reason why it is so significant to detect it at its initial stage. Some warning signs include:

• Pain in the chest or angina on exertion.
• Breathlessness or dyspnea, or weakness.
• The numbness or weakness of the limbs.
• Leg pain in case of walking (claudication)
• Fast or slow pulse.

When these symptoms appear, a doctor should also be visited to make the appropriate diagnosis. Any disregard of them may result in severe health issues.

Major Health Risks of Untreated High Cholesterol

High cholesterol significantly increases the risk of several serious conditions.

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when an artery is totally clogged by a blood clot. This will usually start with a plaque rupture. Chest pains, shortness of breath, or stomach pain are the most prevalent ones. A heart attack can be life-threatening, and hence, medical aid is a necessity.

Stroke

Stroke is a clinical condition, which happens when there is an obstacle of an artery on the brain or neck. This blocks the blood circulation and severely damages it. Lack of sufficient oxygen to the brain cells causes cell death. Recognizing warning signs early is critical. If you notice sudden numbness, trouble speaking, or vision problems, it might indicate someone is having a stroke, and immediate medical attention is essential.

Peripheral Vascular Disease

High cholesterol can also damage the arteries of the arms and legs of the person. The slowing of the blood circulation may lead to pain or cramps.

Ways to Detect and Monitor High Cholesterol Levels

Regular checkups are vital. Physicians prescribe cholesterol screening at least once every four to six years in adults and more frequently when there are risk factors involved. Tests measure:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL and HDL cholesterol

Triglycerides Monitoring cholesterol patterns can be used in the initial interventions. Reducing the overall cardiovascular risk can then be done with lifestyle changes or medications.

Daily Routine Activities to Lower Cholesterol and Protect Arteries

Reducing cholesterol may be achieved by either lifestyle changes or medication, or both. The following are some of the basic ones:

• Healthy foods that are good to consume are healthy. Cholesterol level can be reduced with the help of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins as well and nuts.
• Stay active. A daily thirty-minute vigorous walk can help increase good cholesterol levels. It also helps in the minimization of bad cholesterol.
• Keep a healthy weight. It is also easier to control the cholesterol level by controlling your weight.
• Quit smoking. This increases good cholesterol and secures your blood vessels.
• Limit alcohol.
• Add healthy foods that can reduce LDL.
• Consult a doctor. Under severe conditions, visit a doctor to get proper medication.

Others are resorting to immune booster IV drip therapies that inject the much-needed vitamins and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream. These drips are beneficial in supporting the immune system. Also, these can reduce inflammation and could be helpful in heart health as well. The IV drip therapy can assist the body in reducing the risk of blocked arteries and high cholesterol.

Conclusion

With high cholesterol, your arteries are slowly being destroyed by the blockage or hardening of them. When not managed, it can lead to serious medical complications. In case you keep a cholesterol check, you can improve your health conditions. This can be simply done by smart lifestyle choices, frequent checkups, and medical recommendations. Cholesterol management is a matter of both living longer and living better. Making your heart healthier with exercise, eating healthy, and watching after your body means keeping your heart healthy and thus your quality of life.