You may have high LDL cholesterol as a result of genetic makeup or lifestyle choices, or both. Your genetic makeup also can result in too few HDL particles. Complications High blood cholesterol can cause you to develop heart disease. The American Heart Association reports that heart disease kills almost 1 million Americans each year, more than all cancer deaths combined. Cholesterol plays a significant role in this largely preventable condition.
Atherosclerosis is a silent, painless process that results in reduced blood flow.
As a plaque enlarges, the inner lining of your artery gets rougher. A tear or rupture in the plaque may cause a blood clot to form. Such a clot can block the flow of blood or break free and plug an artery downstream. If the flow of blood to a part of your heart is stopped, you'll have a heart attack. If blood flow to a part of your brain stops, a stroke is imminent.