Cholesterol is a fat (lipid) which is formed by the liver and is essential for standard body functioning. Cholesterol presents in the external layer of each cell in body and has numerous functions. Cholesterol is a waxy steroid and is transported in the blood plasma of every animal. It is the chief sterol produce by animals and small quantity is also produced in plants and fungi. Cholesterol build and sustain cell membranes, it also prevent crystallization of hydrocarbons in the membrane, insulates nerve fibers and involved in the making of sex hormones. Cholesterol converts sunlight into Vitamin D and also essential for the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins and important for the making of hormones released by the adrenal glands
When there is excessive cholesterol in bloodstream it is called as high cholesterol and it can be serious. But this is a common condition. Cholesterol levels normally increase with age. High cholesterol can enhance the possibility of stroke, heart disease, and peripheral vascular syndrome. Mainly body cholesterol (approximately 80%) is made in liver. The remaining comes from food we eat. Dietary cholesterol is found in foodstuff that comes from animal resources, like meats, eggs, and dairy products. People with high blood cholesterol have a high possibility of getting heart disease. It on its own does not cause any symptoms; lots of people are ignorant that their cholesterol level is excessively high.
High cholesterol levels can cause heart attack, narrowing of the arteries, angina, higher coronary heart disease risk, blood vessels disorder, stroke and many more.
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