How High Cholesterol Increases Your Risk of Stroke and What You Can Do About It
Cholesterol and Stroke Risk Cholesterol is essential for various bodily functions, but excessive levels—especially LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also known as "bad cholesterol"—can significantly increase the risk of stroke. This article explores how cholesterol contributes to stroke, the types of stroke associated with high cholesterol, and ways to lower your risk. How Does Cholesterol Increase Stroke Risk? When cholesterol levels are too high , fatty deposits (plaques) can build up in the arteries. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, narrows and hardens the arteries, restricting blood flow to the brain. If a clot forms or a plaque ruptures, it can block an artery and cause a stroke. Types of Stroke Linked to High Cholesterol Ischemic Stroke (Blocked Artery Stroke) The most common type of stroke occurs when a blood clot or plaque blocks a blood vessel that supplies the brain. High LDL cholesterol and low HDL ("good" cholesterol) levels increa...