Your body needs cholesterol to function properly but too much of it can cause it to deposit in the blood vessels. These deposits, called plaques (made up of cholesterol, proteins and calcium), cause local inflammation and damage to the blood vessels. Eventually, these plaques buildup so much that blood flow is blocked off. Hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis is the term used to describe this process.

Partially blocked arteries supplying oxygen and blood to the heart muscle will eventually cause angina (chest pain). Angina is one of the common symptom of this deadly process. By the time you suffer angina symptoms, one or more of your arteries in your heart is already about 70% blocked.

If the blockage is very severe, it can lead to a heart attack (myocardial infarction). If the blockage happens to a blood vessel supplying a part of the brain, you may suffer a stroke.

Cholesterol is moved around the blood vessel with the help of a transport molecule called lipoprotein. The "good" cholesterol, called high density lipoprotein (HDL) takes cholesterol back to the liver for processing. This is a good thing. Higher levels of HDL is associated with reduced risk of atherosclerosis.

The "bad" cholesterol, called low density lipoprotein (LDL) are responsible for causing fatty plaque deposit. High levels of LDL increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

One other remaining type of fat is triglycerides. Triglycerides are used to make HDL and LDL. High levels of them speeds up atherosclerosis.

When you get your cholesterol checked, your doctor should provide you with a total cholesterol value and a breakdown showing the triglycerides, LDL and HDL values.
 

The major causes of cholesterol problems include poor diet, genetic factors (heredity), lack of exercise or physical activities, diabetes and hypothyroidism. Another cause is a genetic factor that causes the body to produce excessive amounts of cholesterol.

 

Unfortunately, there are no clear symptoms of having elevated cholesterol. Only a blood test would be able to tell you what your cholesterol levels are. If heart disease or cholesterol problems run in your family, see your doctor to get your cholesterol levels checked.

Often, you find out you have a cholesterol problem either during a routine test or when you experience damage to your body caused by having it for years. These symptoms may include chest pain (angina) from mild to moderate exercise or activities and circulation and memory problems.
 

One of the most common cause is a poor diet consisting of large quantity of saturated fats, hydrogenated fats, low fiber and excessive sugar products.

Cut back on eating or using saturated, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated fats such as butter, margarine or vegetable shortening.

Reduce eating refined sugar products such as candies and soda pop.

Fruits, oats (oatmeal), brown rice and beans can lower cholesterol significantly. That's because they contain soluble fiber which is proven to lower the "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and increase the "good" cholesterol (HDL).

As well soy and soy protein containing foods such as tofu, barley and avocados can be very helpful.

Remember that not all oil is bad for you. Fish oil and olive oil will lower your cholesterol. As well, fish oil shows many other benefits in protecting the heart against damage. It is highly recommended by experts for anyone with heart related ailments to take this.

See the article Natural Remedies for Treating Cholesterol Problems. You will find that there are many different natural herbs and supplements to choose from.

Although they are not as effective as natural remedies, they do help. See the article on Vitamins to Treat Cholesterol Problems to get the facts.

One recommended product to help lower cholesterol is Cholesto-Rite

Cholesto-rite provides all natural support for cholesterol problems, helps to protect the body against free radical damage and acts as a general tonic for the cardiovascular system.

Related Articles and Resources

Lower High Cholesterol Naturally with Cholesto-Rite

Angina - Discover the early warning signs of a potential heart attack

Heart Disease - How to avoid this deadly health condition 

Return to Health Conditions List

References
Revised: May 22, 2011

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