Is High Cholesterol Really Dangerous? What You Should Be Aware Of

Quality Care Global
Cardiology

3 min read

Trusted Medical Article

Do you have high cholesterol levels? You’re not alone—about 71 million people in the U.S. have it, and nearly 40% don’t even know! If you’re in that group, you might be wondering: is high cholesterol really that dangerous? The answer is yes, and it’s important to understand the risks.

High cholesterol can quietly lead to serious problems like heart disease and stroke without any warning signs. But don’t worry! In this blog, we’ll break down what high cholesterol means, why it’s a concern, and what you should know to keep your heart healthy. Let’s jump right in!

Understanding cholesterol

Think of cholesterol as a waxy substance that your body needs to work properly. That’s what it is! It helps build cell membranes, produces hormones, and makes vitamin D. Cholesterol comes from two sources:

  • Your body: Your liver produces all the cholesterol you need.
  • Food: Foods like meat, dairy products, and some oils contain cholesterol.

LDL vs. HDL

There are two main types of cholesterol:

  • LDL (Low-density lipoprotein): It’s often called the “bad cholesterol”. Too much LDL in your blood can build up in your arteries, making them narrow and stiff. This reduces blood flow, raising the risk of heart problems like heart disease and stroke.
  • HDL (High-density lipoprotein): It's also known as the "good" cholesterol. HDL helps remove LDL from your blood and sends it to your liver to be processed and eliminated. The more HDL you have, the better it is for your heart.

Normal vs. high cholesterol levels

So, how do you know if your cholesterol levels are in a good range? Here's a simple breakdown:

Cholesterol type Desirable level (mg/dL) Borderline high level (mg/dL) High level (mg/dL)
Total cholesterol Less than 200 200–239 240 and above
LDL levels Less than 100 100–129 130–159 (borderline high)160–189 (high)190 and above (very high)

Is high cholesterol dangerous?

Yes, high levels of LDL are dangerous. Because when there’s too much LDL in your blood, it starts building up in your arteries and forms deposits called plaque. This leads to blockage or narrowing of arteries. As a result, blood flow is restricted to the brain and other body parts, leading to severe complications.

Diseases linked to high cholesterol

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for several diseases, including:

  1. Heart disease High levels of cholesterol cause blockage in your arteries. This restricts the supply of blood to your heart. When the heart doesn’t get enough blood, it increases the risk of problems such as chest pain (angina), coronary artery disease, or even a heart attack.

  2. Stroke This occurs due to a blockage in the artery that supplies blood to your brain. As a result, your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients, which causes damage.

  3. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) Cholesterol buildup can also affect the arteries in your arms and legs. This limits the blood flow, causing pain, numbness, and difficulty walking.

  4. Diabetes If you have diabetes, you're more likely to have high cholesterol. High blood sugar can lower your good (HDL) cholesterol and raise your bad (LDL) cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease and other complications.

  5. High blood pressure When your arteries become stiff and narrow due to cholesterol buildup, it makes it harder for blood to flow through, causing your blood pressure to rise. Over time, this can increase the strain on your heart and lead to further complications.

How do I know I have high cholesterol?

Unfortunately, high cholesterol doesn’t show any visible symptoms. You might feel totally fine, even with dangerously high cholesterol levels. The only way to measure cholesterol levels is a blood test. This is why it’s important to check your cholesterol regularly.

If you’re concerned about your cholesterol or looking to take proactive steps, connect with a doctor through Quality Care Global (QCG). We help you find healthcare professionals who can offer personalized treatment and expert guidance tailored to your needs.

How to prevent high cholesterol?

Here are five simple ways to help prevent high cholesterol and keep your heart healthy:

  • Opt for unsaturated fats found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts.
  • Try to avoid saturated fats found in red meat and full-fat dairy products.
  • Consume foods high in soluble fiber, like oats, beans, and fruits
  • Avoid processed and sugary foods
  • Stay active. Go for walking, swimming, or cycling.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoid alcohol

Also, get regular blood tests to keep your cholesterol levels in check.

Bottom line

To wrap it up, yes—high cholesterol can be dangerous, but the great news is that it’s something you can manage. Monitor your cholesterol levels, eat a healthy diet, and make a few lifestyle changes. That's how you can protect yourself from the risks of high cholesterol. Also, don’t forget to get regular check-ups and stay informed about your heart health!