High cholesterol is an excessive level of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is used for many body processes. The body produces all the cholesterol it needs. When too much cholesterol and other fats are consumed, the body cannot get rid of the excess. The fats build up in various cells and tissues of the body.
Cholesterol can build up on the insides of blood vessel walls.
This results in atherosclerosis , or hardening of the arteries. LDL cholesterol is the main source of build-up on the blood vessel walls. HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol back to the liver and prevents build-up on the blood vessel walls. High total and LDL cholesterol levels cause no symptoms. When the cholesterol builds up in the body, the person may start having symptoms.