Impact of Cholesterol Levels within the Human Body
The human brain contains a significant portion of the body's total cholesterol supply, an essential component for the development and protection of nerve cells. Cholesterol, a waxy substance found in your blood and cells, is primarily produced by the liver, with the rest coming from foods.
Cholesterol plays a crucial role in the digestive system, aiding in the production of bile, a substance that helps the body break down foods and absorb nutrients in the intestines. However, when there is too much cholesterol in bile, it can form into crystals and hard stones in the gallbladder, called gallstones.
In the bloodstream, cholesterol is transported by lipoproteins, two main types: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and High-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL, often referred to as the 'bad' cholesterol, can build up on the sides of blood vessels and contribute to cardiovascular disease and stroke risk. On the other hand, HDL, known as the 'good' cholesterol, transports excess cholesterol out of your arteries to your liver for removal from the body.
Excess cholesterol in the arteries can lead to atherosclerosis, the hardening of the arteries due to plaque buildup. This process can affect various organs, including the heart, brain, and blood supply to the stomach, legs, or feet. Atherosclerosis can cause blood to flow less well through stiffened arteries, making the heart work harder.
If this process occurs in the brain, it is called a stroke, one of the causes of different types of stroke. A stroke can negatively affect various cognitive functions, causing loss of memory, impaired movement, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty with speech. Stroke can also increase the risk of vascular dementia, a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior.
High LDL cholesterol levels have been linked to an increased risk of vascular dementia, and the frequency of strokes is higher in people with high cholesterol levels compared to those with normal cholesterol levels. Androgen deprivation therapy and a deficiency of growth hormone can raise LDL cholesterol levels.
Plaque can also block the flow of blood to arteries that supply blood to the intestinal tract, legs, and feet, causing peripheral arterial disease (PAD). When plaque builds up in coronary arteries, it can cause chest pain known as angina, which may signal a risk for a heart attack. A heart attack typically occurs when a piece of plaque breaks off and forms a clot that blocks the entire artery, disrupting blood flow to part of the heart.
Regular doctor visits and lowering the risk of heart disease with diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and medication can decrease potential heart complications and improve quality of life. By understanding the role of cholesterol in our bodies, we can take steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
