High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. When a high cholesterol level is coupled with another risk factor, like high blood pressure or smoking, the risk goes up even more. Fortunately, high blood cholesterol is a heart disease risk factor you can easily do something about. A high cholesterol level is a warning that you are at risk for heart disease. NOW is the time to reduce that risk.
Most heart disease is caused by blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
Cholesterol and fat circulating in the blood can slow or block this flow of blood. Atherosclerosis is a slow progressive disease that can start early in life but may not produce symptoms for many years. The average American's arteries are half-clogged with fat by age 35.