Health effects of high cholesterol

Learn how high cholesterol can affect your health.

On this page

Physical effects of high cholesterol

Physical effects of high cholesterol can include cholesterol settling on the inside of blood vessels, creating an excess in the blood.

Increased risk effects of high cholesterol

Increased risk effects of high cholesterol can include:

  • plaque (a mix of fats, calcium and cholesterol) build-up and clogs in blood vessels
  • a greater risk of a heart attack or stroke because blood flow is partially blocked
  • blood being unable to flow well through blood vessels clogged by plaque or blood clots (thickened blood)
  • blood clots forming if high cholesterol results from high levels of triglycerides, your body’s most common form of fat

Page details

Date modified: