Most people don’t know that, aside from the heart, high cholesterol can also pose negative effects on other organs in the body. Here are some high cholesterol effects on the body we all should know about
The heart (circulatory system)
The most common complication of high cholesterol concerns the heart and the circulatory system.
When fatty deposits form in the arteries, it can cause blockage and affect the arteries’ flexibility. This condition is atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries.
Atherosclerosis can lead to more serious cardiovascular problems such as coronary heart disease (narrowing of the arteries). Due to the narrowing of the arteries, there will be a reduction in blood flow to the heart, resulting in chest pain or angina.
When angina persists, it can completely restrict blood flow in the heart, which is an early sign of a possible heart attack or heart failure.
The brain (nervous system)
Did you know that 25% of the body’s cholesterol is found in the brain? Also, the brain makes its own cholesterol rather than taking up the cholesterol produced by the liver.
Cholesterol is one of the most important elements the brain needs to function well. It functions by making sure that neurons can communicate and exchange electric signals with one another.
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