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Cholesterol is a waxy,
fat-like substance that is naturally found in all parts of our bodies. It is
present in the walls and membranes of every cell, including cells in the brain,
nerves, muscle, skin, liver, intestines, and heart. Without cholesterol, our
bodies could not function properly. It acts as the backbone of hormones like
estrogen and testosterone, vitamin D, and bile acids that help us to digest fat.
Cholesterol in the body
comes from two major sources. The first is from the liver, which is the body’s
major cholesterol-producing organ. We also consume foods that contain
cholesterol – red meat and eggs have particularly high levels. Because the liver
is usually able to make enough cholesterol to satisfy all of our bodily needs,
however, too much dietary cholesterol can lead to high bodily levels of
cholesterol. (Some liver disorders also lead to excess cholesterol
levels.)
These high levels are
undesirable because it is difficult for our bodies to appropriately dispose of
excess cholesterol. Excess cholesterol has a tendency to deposit into the walls
of our arteries, particularly the arteries that lead to our hearts (or coronary
arteries). It is these deposits that lead to development of "hardening of the
arteries," or atherosclerosis
Left untreated,
atherosclerosis is a condition that causes progressive narrowing of the
arteries. Narrowing may even occur to the point where the artery becomes either
severely or completely blocked. If the blockage occurs in a coronary artery, you
may have severe chest pain (called angina) or a heart attack. If the blockage
involves an artery in the brain, you may have a stroke.
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