Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance and your body needs it to build cells and make vitamins and other hormones.
Despite its usefulness, too much cholesterol can be very harmful to your health.
High cholesterol is when you have too much of a fatty substance in your blood.
According to Medical News Today, some of the dangers include blockage of the blood vessels which makes one more likely to have heart problems or a stroke.
With high levels of these, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels.
"If cholesterol levels are high, the person has an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, "Medical News Today said.
Here is how you can minimise high levels of cholesterol
- Take recommended medication by your doctor, to help lower your cholesterol.
- Quit smoking to allow enough oxygen in your blood which translates to more energy for your cells and tissues to use.
- Drink sufficient amounts of water regularly which keeps your blood ways clean and eliminates the buildup of cholesterol waste from the body.
- Eat more soluble fiber that helps to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
- Exercise regularly to reduce the risk of adverse health outcomes.
- Healthy sleeping habits- one should aim for seven or more hours of sleep.
- Adopt a healthy dietary lifestyle.
Research done by the World Health Organisation indicates that a third of ischaemic heart disease is attributable to high cholesterol.
Overall, raised cholesterol is estimated to cause 2.6 million deaths which is 4.5 per cent of the total, and 29.7 million Disability-Adjusted Years (DALYS), or 2 per cent of total DALYS.
WHO further states that the disease is a health burden across the world.
"Raised total cholesterol is a major cause of disease burden in both the developed and developing world as a risk factor for ischemic heart disease and stroke."