PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) – Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease.

With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels.

Eventually, these deposits build up, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries.

Sometimes these deposits can break suddenly and form a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke.

High cholesterol can be hereditary, but it is often the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, making it preventable and treatable. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and sometimes medications can help reduce high cholesterol.

Check out the interview at the top of the article with Dr. Michael Cheshire of WVU Medicine Camden Clark, to learn more about cholesterol.

Do you see an error in our reports? Send us an email by by clicking here!

Copyright 2024 WTAP. All rights reserved.