Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body needs to build healthy cells. However, having high levels of it can quietly damage your circulatory system over many years. Because high cholesterol rarely causes noticeable symptoms on its own, many people don't realize their arteries are changing until a major health event occurs.
At Healing Hearts Clinic, our four expert cardiologists provide specialized cardiovascular care to patients across our clinic locations in Conroe, Shenandoah, and Huntsville, Texas.
Here’s what our experts want you to know about how cholesterol affects your arteries and possibly your heart.
Your body carries cholesterol through your bloodstream using proteins called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is often called bad cholesterol. When you have too much LDL in your blood, the excess particles start settling into the inner walls of your arteries.
Over time, these lipid deposits combine with calcium, waste products, and cellular blood materials to form a sticky substance called plaque. This process hardens and narrows your blood vessels over time, a condition known as atherosclerosis
As plaque accumulates, it causes several harmful changes, including:
Nearly 86 million American adults over age 20 have high cholesterol levels. Because plaque buildup happens gradually over decades, managing your blood lipid levels early remains essential.
When your high cholesterol goes untreated, the gradual narrowing of your blood vessels can lead to serious cardiovascular complications. Elevated cholesterol directly increases your overall risk for heart disease and stroke.
If plaque severely limits blood flow to your heart muscle, you might experience chest pain or pressure during physical activity. If a piece of plaque breaks off, a blood clot can completely block blood flow, causing a heart attack. Similarly, restricted blood flow to your brain can lead to a stroke.
Beyond your heart and brain, plaque buildup can affect arteries throughout your entire body. High cholesterol can also lead to hyperlipidemia, where excess fats accumulate in the blood and raise your chances of developing peripheral artery disease in your legs and arms.
Many tools can help manage bad cholesterol and protect your blood vessels. While you can't completely erase existing plaque, lowering your LDL cholesterol can stabilize plaque deposits, slightly shrink them, and drastically lower your risk of heart attacks.
Here's how you can take control of your arterial health:
Our specialists work closely with you to design a personalized treatment plan. Whether you need guidance on lifestyle changes or medical therapy, our experts are here to keep your vascular system healthy.
Contact our location most convenient to you. We have offices in Conroe, Shenandoah, and Huntsville, TX.
