14/08/2025
Cholesterol is a fatty substance your body needs to produce hormones, vitamin D, and digestive fluids, as well as to keep organs functioning properly. Most cholesterol is made by the liver, while the rest comes from food. It travels through the bloodstream in packets called lipoproteins. There are two main types: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, which can build up in artery walls and form plaque that narrows and stiffens arteries; and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol, which helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood.
Too much LDL cholesterol can damage the cardiovascular system by hardening and clogging arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This reduces blood flow and forces the heart to work harder. If plaque builds up in the heart’s arteries, it can cause chest pain (angina) or lead to a heart attack when a clot blocks blood flow completely. Similar blockages in the brain can cause a stroke, while those in other arteries may result in peripheral arterial disease (PAD), affecting the legs, feet, or digestive system.
In the endocrine system, cholesterol is essential for producing hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol, which control growth, reproduction, metabolism, and stress response. Hormonal changes, thyroid disorders, and certain treatments can alter cholesterol levels.
In the nervous system, the brain contains about 20% of the body’s cholesterol, which is vital for building and protecting nerve cells. While necessary, excess cholesterol can contribute to stroke risk, memory loss, and vascular dementia.
In the digestive system, cholesterol helps produce bile for breaking down fats, but too much can form gallstones. High cholesterol can also reduce blood flow to the intestines, causing pain and digestive problems.
Regular cholesterol checks, healthy eating, exercise, and medical care can help protect all these systems and reduce long-term health risks.