What is the role of cholesterol in heart disease?

Cholesterol contributes to heart disease by building up in the artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis and restricted blood flow.

Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) that is essential for many bodily functions. It helps to build the structure of cell membranes, makes hormones like oestrogen and testosterone, and aids in the production of bile acids that help you digest fat. However, when there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it can stick to the walls of your arteries. This is known as cholesterol plaque.

Over time, this plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This can limit the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and other parts of your body. When this happens in the arteries that supply the heart, it can lead to coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease.

There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called 'bad' cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or 'good' cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol to the arteries, where it can form plaque. HDL, on the other hand, carries cholesterol away from the arteries, back to the liver, where it is broken down and removed from the body. Therefore, high levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease.

It's important to note that not all cholesterol is bad. Your body needs a certain amount to function properly. However, too much, particularly of the 'bad' LDL type, can lead to heart disease. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help maintain a good balance of cholesterol levels in your body.