How High Cholesterol Puts You at Risk for Heart Disease and What You Can Do About It

Unfortunately, high cholesterol is a common health issue that often flies under the radar until it’s too late. It’s so easy to dismiss because it doesn’t cause symptoms on its own, but the truth is high cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. 

At Associated Physicians Group, PLC in Berkley, Michigan, our board-certified providers understand firsthand how cholesterol affects your heart. We’ll help you uncover what you can do to manage it and maintain a healthy life. 

What is cholesterol, and why does it matter? 

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of your body. It’s essential for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. However, not all cholesterol is the same — here’s what you need to know:

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

Also known as the “bad” cholesterol, LDL can build up in the walls of your arteries, forming plaque that narrows and hardens them. 

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

This is considered the “good” cholesterol. HDL helps remove LDL from your arteries and transports it back to your liver for processing and elimination. 

Triglycerides 

These are another type of fat in your blood. High levels of triglycerides combined with high LDL or low HDL can increase your risk for heart disease. 

How high cholesterol leads to heart disease 

High cholesterol is a silent contributor to heart disease, primarily through the development of atherosclerosis — a condition where plaque builds up in your arteries. Here’s how it works: 

Plaque formation

When there’s too much LDL cholesterol in your blood, it can slowly accumulate on the walls of your arteries. Over time, this buildup forms plaque that narrows and hardens your arteries. This makes it difficult for your blood to flow as it should. 

Reduced blood flow 

Narrowed arteries = less blood flow. This reduces the oxygen supply to your heart and can lead to chest pain (angina) or, even worse, a heart attack. 

Risk of blood clots 

Plaque buildup can also form blood clots, which can block blood flow entirely. This can also lead to a heart attack or stroke. 

How to manage and lower your cholesterol

The good news is that you do have the power to control your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. Here are some strategies to help you do just that: 

Eat a heart-healthy diet

We recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated and trans fats from red meat, full-fat dairy, and processed foods. Instead, incorporate healthy fats and omega-3s from sources like olive oil, nuts, and salmon. 

Exercise regularly 

Aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly, plus strength training twice a week to boost your metabolism and lower LDL levels. 

Quit smoking 

Smoking lowers good HDL cholesterol, which helps clear bad LDL from your arteries. Quitting smoking can boost HDL levels and improve your overall heart health. 

Consider medication 

If all else fails, we may also prescribe medications like statins, which can help lower LDL cholesterol. 

Ultimately, high cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease, but it’s also one you can manage with the right tools. Don’t wait — start making heart-healthy choices today! Schedule an appointment with an Associated Physicians Group PLC provider to check your cholesterol levels.