Written by N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe | Published : September 15, 2025 10:00 AM IST
"As plaque builds up over time, the insides of your arteries narrow. This narrowing blocks blood flow to and from your heart and other organs," the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explained.
High LDL levels can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery, causing a medical condition called atherosclerosis, which thickens or hardens the arteries.
High cholesterol levels can also build up plaque in the arteries of your limbs, especially in your feet and legs. This condition is known as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which reduces blood flow in your peripheral arteries.
Plaque buildup due to the high level of cholesterol can block the coronary arteries. And when this occurs, the supply of blood to your heart may be interrupted, resulting in a heart attack. The CDC states, "When blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause chest pain (also called angina) or a heart attack (also called myocardial infarction)."
When your LDL level rises, it also increases the risk of stroke. This occurs when the buildup of plaque interrupts the supply of blood to the brain.
Experts suggest that excessive cholesterol levels in your blood can lead to an increased amount of cholesterol in your bile, which can then form gallstones in the gallbladder.
Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today!
Refresh Page