3 of 10

Write now Article Tools

America is currently involved in a fight against a tiny, yet persistent and nearly ubiquitous enemy. This enemy lives in your blood and claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans each year, with millions more left injured. The enemy is cholesterol, and it has become a word commonly associated with disease and illness. But what is cholesterol and why is it bad for you?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance present in every cell in the body. It is transported about the body in a complex pattern with the aid of many other molecules, some of which, HDL and LDL, have become almost household names. A certain level of cholesterol is needed for proper cell function and health. For example, cholesterol is a major component of the membranes that make up the walls in every cell of your body.

However, in our society of abundance and high fat foods, high levels of cholesterol have been linked to increased chances of building up abnormal deposits of plaque on the lining cells of the blood vessels throughout the body. This process is known as atherosclerosis.

If the build up of plaque leads to narrowing which worsens to the point of occlusion or blockage of the blood vessels to the heart, oxygen and nutrients can be cut off from the heart itself, resulting in a myocardial infarction or MI, commonly known as a heart attack. This same process can occur in blood vessels to the brain causing a stroke or CVA, cerebrovascular accident.

Why are doctors obsessed about risks for heart attacks and strokes? Simple Heart disease is the Number One killer in America. Strokes follow closely at number three. According to the most recent data from the CDC, in 2004 heart attacks killed 654,000 people. Strokes another 150,000. Of course, these numbers only account for actual deaths. Over three times as many people will suffer a heart attack or stroke and survive. Many of those survivors will be left with various levels of disability which can often have a devastating impact on a persons quality of life.

With the two diseases combining to kill over 800,000 Americans annually, and millions more suffering life changing disabilities, it's no surprise that high cholesterol levels should be taken very seriously.

Although the focus of this article is the dangers of high cholesterol, not treatments, it is appropriate to mention a few things that can be done to control cholesterol levels. The first step in proper management is to eat a healthy diet. Limit your saturated fat intake, and be sure to

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about The dangers of high cholesterol?
We want to hear your view. Write now!