How does cholesterol damage arteries?
High LDL cholesterol contributes to a process called atherosclerosis.
In atherosclerosis, cholesterol particles enter the artery wall and trigger inflammation. Over time, fatty deposits called plaques develop.
These plaques:
- Narrow the arteries
- Reduce blood flow
- Make blood vessels less flexible
If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and suddenly block blood flow.
This can lead to:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Peripheral artery disease
Atherosclerosis develops gradually over many years and often begins long before symptoms appear.