Cholesterol is a well-known factor that determines your heart health. While cholesterol is important for our body, excess cholesterol in our blood can be harmful enough to affect your health. Not only the heart, but many other areas can get affected by high cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is present in two types, one is bad cholesterol (LDL) and good cholesterol (HDL) and a balance between the two is equally important.

Circulation

When bad cholesterol is more than good cholesterol, the excess cholesterol and other substances get deposited as plaques on the inner walls of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This narrows the passage of the blood vessels and the amount of blood flowing through it, gets reduced. Many parts of the body, then may get affected due to improper blood supply, reduced oxygen and nutrients.

This increases the risk of:

• Gastric disturbances: Digestive problems, bowel irregularities, gallstones and blocked arteries can damage stomach and kidneys.

• Angina: Reduced blood supply to the heart, causing chest pain. Pain may be felt in arms, neck, shoulders and jaw.

• Stroke: Reduced blood supply to the brain, causing sudden changes in speech, movement of arms, face, weakness and confusion.

• Peripheral artery disease: Reduced blood supply to limbs,causing numbness or pain in arms and legs.

• Gangrene: Persistent lack of blood flow and oxygen to a part can cause cell death and gangrene, making the part useless.

Cholesterol has varying effects on your body, but persistent high cholesterol levels can increase your risks for certain ailments. Understand your cholesterol levels, their possible effects on your body and seek medical advice in time. 

Written By: Dr. Snehal