High cholesterol is a health condition that occurs when there is too much cholesterol in your blood. This condition can have an adverse effect on several parts of your body. Below are the parts of your body that can be adversely affected in people with high cholesterol:

The Arteries

High cholesterol can damage your arteries and cause a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis causes your arteries to harden. If atherosclerosis is left untreated, then an atheroma, or atherosclerotic plaque, will form. Atheroromas can rupture and lead to blood clots.

Your Heart

Studies have shown that people who have high cholesterol are twice as likely to develop heart disease as people with normal cholesterol levels. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, then your chances of developing heart disease will be even greater. Furthermore, high cholesterol can lead to a heart attack.

Your Brain

Untreated high cholesterol can lead to a stroke. A stroke is a condition that occurs when blood flow to the brain is impaired. A stroke is also known as a cerebrovascular accident. Inability to see, communicate normally and move one or more of the limbs are some of the many negative effects that can result from a stroke. It is also important to note that strokes can lead to deaths.

Lowering Your Cholesterol

If you have high cholesterol, then you can reduce your chances of developing serious health problems by getting it under control. There are a number of things that you can do to lower cholesterol. Exercise is one way that you can lower your cholesterol naturally. You should try to exercise at least 30 minutes per day. Exercise not only lowers your total cholesterol, but it also raises your HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is also known as the good cholesterol because it helps clean out your arteries.

You also want to make sure that you eat a healthy diet. Oatmeal, fruit, vegetables and whole grains should be the foods that you consume the most. Those types of foods are rich in fiber, which is a nutrient that helps reduce your cholesterol. You should try to eat salmon at least twice a week because it contains omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are another group of nutrients will help lower your cholesterol. If you do not like fish, then you can get your omega 3 fatty acids from other sources, such as flaxseed and walnuts.

If you cannot lower your cholesterol with diet, then you may be required to take medication. There are several types of cholesterol medications available, and your doctor will prescribe the one that is right for you.

Michael use to have high cholesterol and currently has it under control due to change of diet and life style. He likes writing blogs that may bring awareness to the situation as well as other interests such as travelling