Can High Cholesterol Lead to Heart Failure?

High cholesterol is considered a form of chronic disease. Many people have this condition and have no idea, which is why heart health screenings are so important. At Heart Care, we strive to provide up-to-date and useful information to help those in our care enhance and preserve their heart health. 

High cholesterol is serious, so let’s examine the way high cholesterol affects your body and might threaten your heart health. 

What is cholesterol, and where does it come from?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body produces naturally. It plays critical roles in building healthy cells, manufacturing hormones, and supporting your liver in making bile. Cholesterol is present in every cell within your body. 

Your system produces all of the cholesterol you need to thrive. But you also take in additional cholesterol through the foods you eat. This can lead to higher-than-normal cholesterol levels, and when those levels reach a certain point, that excess cholesterol can begin to cause problems. 

Cholesterol is grouped into three main “types.” 

HDL cholesterol is known as the “good” type and plays an important role in managing the other types of cholesterol. 

LDL cholesterol is considered the “bad” type, and along with VLDL cholesterol can create plaque within your arteries. Generally, the term “Non-HDL” refers to all of the cholesterol in your body that is not the HDL type. 

Some people are simply genetically predisposed to having high cholesterol. Usually, however, the condition develops over time and results from a diet high in saturated fats and highly processed foods, as well as from not getting enough exercise. There are also certain medications that can cause high cholesterol. 

How high cholesterol impacts heart health

Excess cholesterol in your bloodstream can combine with fats and other substances to form plaque, which is a sticky substance that can adhere to the walls of your arteries. As that plaque continues to build up, it narrows the blood vessels, leaving less space for oxygenated blood to move through your body. 

This buildup of plaque is called atherosclerosis. When blood flow decreases, it can lead to chest pain (angina) and, if a blood clot forms on a plaque and breaks free, cause a heart attack. 

Heart failure is a long-term condition in which your heart becomes unable to pump enough blood to serve your body’s daily needs. Your heart often tries to accommodate by working harder than normal, which can cause strain and increase your risk of additional heart problems.  

While high cholesterol doesn’t directly cause heart failure, it can contribute to the factors that increase your risk for heart failure, primarily by reducing the circumference of your arteries and preventing blood from flowing at a normal rate. 

High cholesterol is a treatable condition

The good news is, once you know you have high cholesterol, there are steps you can take to bring your levels closer to normal. Some people can dramatically reduce their cholesterol by changing their diet and incorporating more physical activity into their daily routines. 

For others, medication is a great way to lower cholesterol levels quickly. Of course, drug therapy should always be in conjunction with lifestyle changes. 

The first step is to learn your cholesterol levels, which can be done with a simple, routine blood test. Comparing your results to previous testing can help you know whether your cholesterol is rising over time.

Our team at Heart Care is here to help, no matter where you are in your heart health journey. In addition to wonderful treatment plans, we offer preventive cardiology services to help you maintain your heart health and avoid serious outcomes. Booking a visit is fast and easy, whether you choose to connect with our office online or by phone.