High levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol in the blood can harm cardiovascular health and raise the chance of developing a number of heart-related illnesses. When LDL cholesterol levels are high, it often deposits and builds up on the artery walls, causing plaque. Atherosclerosis, a disorder where plaque builds up in the arteries, impairs blood flow and lessens the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the body's important organs and tissues. This can eventually result in severe problems such coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes. LDL cholesterol particles also become even more dangerous as they oxidise, causing irritation in the artery walls and accelerating the growth of atherosclerotic plaques. Hypertension, which increases the heart's workload and increases the risk of heart failure, can also be brought on by blood vessel narrowing. Furthermore, excessive amounts of LDL cholesterol can affect how endothelial cells that line blood vessels function, affecting their capacity to control blood flow and maintain a healthy vascular tone. A blood clot's ability to obstruct blood flow and result in potentially fatal consequences is also influenced by bad cholesterol. Bad cholesterol puts people at risk for serious cardiovascular complications, so it's crucial to adopt healthy lifestyle habits like a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medication when necessary to control cholesterol levels and protect heart health.
