High cholesterol can cause the arteries to narrow, leading to serious complications, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. Lowering high cholesterol can help prevent complications.
High cholesterol can lead to excess cholesterol in the blood, which can cause a buildup of fatty deposits, or plaque, in the arteries.
This leads to atherosclerosis, in which the arteries become narrow and stiff, reducing blood flow around the body. This can lead to many severe or life threatening health problems.
This article looks at some of the possible complications of high cholesterol, tips to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of complications, and when to contact a doctor.
Narrowing of the arteries due to plaque can reduce blood flow to the heart. This
Angina
Learn about other potential causes of chest pain.
High cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in the walls of the arteries, causing them to become narrower. Narrowed arteries make it more difficult for blood to flow through the arteries and around the body.
This
Coronary heart disease occurs as a result of coronary artery disease, although some healthcare professionals may use these terms interchangeably.
Learn about coronary artery disease.
Cardiac events are the
Some people
If people have any symptoms of a heart attack, or if they are unsure if chest pain is a heart attack or not, they should call 911.
Is it a heart attack?
Heart attacks occur when there is a lack of blood supply to the heart. Symptoms include:
- chest pain, pressure, or tightness
- pain that may spread to arms, neck, jaw, or back
- nausea and vomiting
- sweaty or clammy skin
- heartburn or indigestion
- shortness of breath
- coughing or wheezing
- lightheadedness or dizziness
- anxiety that can feel similar to a panic attack
If someone has these symptoms:
- Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
- Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.
If a person stops breathing before emergency services arrive, perform manual chest compressions:
- Lock fingers together and place the base of hands in the center of the chest.
- Position shoulders over hands and lock elbows.
- Press hard and fast, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, to a depth of 2 inches.
- Continue these movements until the person starts to breathe or move.
- If needed, swap over with someone else without pausing compressions.
Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) available in many public places:
- An AED provides a shock that may restart the heart.
- Follow the instructions on the defibrillator or listen to the guided instructions.
If too much plaque builds up in the arteries, it can
Atherosclerosis, which can occur due to high cholesterol, can cause an ischemic stroke in
- Atherothrombotic stroke: If plaque breaks off from the blood vessel wall, a blood clot can form. If the clot becomes large enough, it can block blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke.
- Embolic stroke: If a blood clot forms, it can break away from the original site and travel to an artery connecting to the brain. This can block blood flow and cause a stroke.
High cholesterol
PAD causes pain or aching in the legs during physical activity, which eases with rest. Other symptoms affecting the legs include:
Lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
- reducing saturated and trans fats
- focusing on eating plant foods, such as whole grains, legumes, and nuts, which contain stanols and sterols that help reduce cholesterol
- including healthy fats, such as olive and avocado oils
- increasing soluble fiber intake
- getting regular physical activity
- maintaining a moderate weight, as a weight loss of
5% to 10% may help improve cholesterol levels - avoiding or quitting smoking
Learn more about reducing cholesterol.
The
- high blood pressure
- older age
- obesity
- family history of high cholesterol
When people reach 40 years of age, people can also speak with a doctor to calculate their 10-year heart attack or stroke risk.
High cholesterol generally has no symptoms until it causes a complication or health problem. A doctor can perform a blood test to find out a person’s cholesterol levels.
People with high cholesterol can discuss a treatment plan with a doctor to effectively lower their cholesterol levels. If lifestyle changes are not enough to reduce cholesterol, a doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication, such as statins.
People should also seek immediate medical attention if they have symptoms of a stroke or heart attack. These events are medical emergencies.
Without treatment, high cholesterol can cause serious complications. High cholesterol causes a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which causes them to narrow and harden.
This reduces blood flow and increases the risk of blood clots, which can lead to conditions, such as coronary heart disease, peripheral artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Diet and lifestyle changes can help prevent and treat high cholesterol. Some people may also need cholesterol-lowering medication.