Cholesterol and triglycerides are forms of fat (lipids) in the blood. Abnormal amounts of fat circulating in the bloodstream (lipid disorders), especially high levels of cholesterol, can cause long-term health problems. Lipid disorders include atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke.
Cholesterol and triglycerides are forms of fat in the blood that can serve as a source of fuel for normal body functions. Also called lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides are produced by and stored in the body. Just a small amount of cholesterol meets the body's daily needs.
Lipid disorders are when cholesterol and triglyceride levels are too high. Having too much cholesterol, triglycerides, or both in the blood is called hyperlipidemia. Risk factors for lipid disorders and high cholesterol include heredity, diabetes, obesity, a high-fat diet, taking certain medications, and smoking.
When cholesterol levels are too high, the excess fat deposits in the arteries. These fat deposits can thicken and harden into a substance called plaque. Plaque deposits resulting from high cholesterol and triglyceride levels can block the arteries and compromise blood flow, putting the patient at risk of atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke.
Atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis are both terms for hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis resulting from high cholesterol affects vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidney as well as the arms and legs. When atherosclerosis affects the amount of blood flow to the brain, a stroke can occur. Atherosclerosis in the arteries that nourish the heart can cause a heart attack. Heart disease resulting from high cholesterol increases the risk for heart attack and stroke.
A healthy diet, weight loss, increased exercise, and medication can help manage high cholesterol.
