Cholesterol is the human body’s repair substance and can be found in all cells of the body. The main function of cholesterol is to repair damaged tissue, and is produced in the liver. It is released into the bloodstream and then directed to various areas of the body that needs repair. 

So why are high cholesterol levels considered bad? There are two types of cholesterol, known as low-density lipoprotein or LDL, and high-density lipoprotein or HDL. One of these, the LDL is considered bad cholesterol as it can get stuck and pile up on arterial walls that are damaged. Once they pile up, they can become calcified, narrowing blood passages. HDL on the other hand, carries the LDL out of the arteries and back to the liver, and is hence considered good cholesterol. 

Cholesterol in your bloodstream reacts to the inflammations in your arteries and immediately tries to repair the holes caused in the artery walls. Bad cholesterol can pile up during this repair process and thicken arterial walls. The resulting narrow blood passages can lead to ruptures. An artery eruption can cause blood clots, which can lead to strokes if they travel to the brain or a heart attack when it travels to the heart. 

High cholesterol levels can be dangerous and patients are usually treated with medication. Other than medication, to maintain normal levels of cholesterol, which is that you have higher levels of HDL when compared to LDL, a healthy diet with plenty of fiber, fruits, and vegetables accompanied by exercise has shown to lower and balance cholesterol levels.