LDL cholesterol – the “bad” one, you know, is like a courier for cholesterol from your liver to all parts of your body. While some cholesterol is good for ya (helps with cell stuff and hormones), having too much LDL can mess you up.
When there’s an overflow of this bad boy in your bloodstream, it sticks to artery walls and makes plaque. That’s a fancy way of saying it clogs things up, which ain’t great news. If that plaque decides to blow, well, you could be looking at some serious problems like heart attacks or strokes.
High levels are no joke when it comes to heart disease and other issues with your ticker. To keep those levels in check and dodge health troubles down the road, experts say embrace that heart-healthy life. What does that mean? Think balanced meals with less fatty stuff, get moving more often, keep that weight happy, ditch the cigs if you’re still puffing away, and pop them pills prescribed by your doc if needed. Oh yeah, don’t forget regular blood tests to track those cholesterol numbers because knowing is key to protecting your heart!