Your body needs cholesterol to function properly; too much, however, can cause a variety of health problems. For example, high cholesterol can cause a condition called atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), the effects of which can include coronary heart disease, angina, and stroke. The exact causes of high cholesterol are unknown, but risk factors include diet, weight, and heredity. If lifestyle changes alone do not lower cholesterol enough, medication may be necessary.