High cholesterol in the blood can lead to serious health problems. Atheroscalerosis is just one of many dangerous condition that can result by uncontrolled blood cholesterol levels. As the LDL cholesterol moves through blood vessels it sticks into artery walls and in time hardens and turns into plaque. As the plague accumulates within the arteries, the arteries become hard and narrow, making it extremely difficult for blood to flow through and distribute oxygen to the heart, brain and cells. A shortage of oxygen supply to the heart can slow the heart’s pumping action and can lead to sudden and often fatal heart attacks.

When the plaque builds up into extreme proportions, the arteries become completely clogged, therefore completely preventing the flow of blood to the heart and brain, resulting in fatal strokes.

Only when the arteries become weak and damaged, due to high cholesterol levels, the build up of triglycerides, nicotine consumption (usually from smoking) and high blood pressure, the perfect environment for plague build up is formed. Plaque, the hard substance that clogs the arteries consists mostly of cholesterol; calcium; cellular waste and fibrin.

Atherosclerosis, should not be mistaken with arteriosclerosis which is the a condition that often occur as we age, when the vessel walls become less elastic and cannot dilate to provide blood flow. Atherosclarosis, on the other hand occurs when there are high cholesterol levels in the blood that accumulate into plaque and narrow the arteries.

Although Atherosclerosis is relatively a slow process, since cholesterol build up can tae years to accumulate in a way that will narrow the arteries and interfere with blood flow, it is however, a very dangerous condition that can lead to fatal heart diseases, heart attacks and strokes. To prevent Atherosclerosis, cholesterol levels must be checked regularly and if you are diagnosed with high blood cholesterol levels, stepping into a low cholesterol diet, taking vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, combined with regular exercise ad meditation can literally save your life.