Elevated cholesterol increases risk for which conditions?

Elevated cholesterol increases risk for which conditions?

• A. Pneumonia and Bronchitis
• B. Osteoporosis and Fracture
• C. Hepatitis and Cirrhosis
• D. Heart Attack and Stroke

Answer: (D)

Elevated cholesterol fuels atherosclerosis, the buildup of cholesterol-rich plaques in arterial walls. This plaque narrows and stiffens vessels and can rupture, forming a clot. When this occurs in the arteries that supply the heart, it can block blood flow and trigger a heart attack; when it occurs in arteries that supply the brain, it can cause a stroke. So, the most direct risks linked to high cholesterol are heart attack and stroke. The other options describe lung infections or diseases of bone or liver and are not primarily driven by cholesterol levels.

Elevated cholesterol fuels atherosclerosis, the buildup of cholesterol-rich plaques in arterial walls. This plaque narrows and stiffens vessels and can rupture, forming a clot. When this occurs in the arteries that supply the heart, it can block blood flow and trigger a heart attack; when it occurs in arteries that supply the brain, it can cause a stroke. So, the most direct risks linked to high cholesterol are heart attack and stroke. The other options describe lung infections or diseases of bone or liver and are not primarily driven by cholesterol levels.