Health Effects of Cholesterol: Coronary Artery Disease
Special arteries, called coronary arteries, bring blood to the heart. Narrowing of your coronary arteries due to
plaque can stop or slow down the flow of blood to your heart. When the arteries narrow, the amount of oxygen-rich blood is decreased. This is called
coronary artery disease (CAD). Large plaque areas can lead to chest pain called
angina. Angina occurs when the heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is a common symptom of coronary artery disease.
Some plaque has a thin covering, and when it bursts (ruptures), fat and
cholesterol is released into the bloodstream. This may cause your blood to clot, which can block the flow of blood and can cause angina or a
heart attack.
Things to Remember Regarding the Health Effects of Cholesterol
When plaque buildup occurs, a narrowed or blocked blood vessel can prevent blood from getting to where it needs to go. Without blood, tissues will die. Lowering your cholesterol can reduce your chances of experiencing serious health problems.
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