Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in  blood.  body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.

With high cholesterol,there is a development of  fatty deposition in blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through the arteries. Sometimes, those deposits can break suddenly and form a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke.

High cholesterol can be inherited, but it's often the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, which make it preventable and treatable. A healthy diet, regular exercise and sometimes medication can help reduce high cholesterol.

SYMPTOMS OF CHOLESTEROL

High cholesterol has no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to detect if you have it.

CAUSES OF CHOLESTEROL

Cholesterol is carried through the blood, attached to proteins. This combination of proteins and cholesterol is called a lipoprotein. There are different types of cholesterol, based on what the lipoprotein carries. They are:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL, or "bad" cholesterol, transports cholesterol particles throughout the body. LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of  arteries, making them hard and narrow.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL, or "good" cholesterol, picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to liver.

A lipid profile also typically measures triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. Having a high triglyceride level can also increase the risk of heart disease.

some Factors that may cause —

• inactivity
• obesity
• unhealthy diet 
• sedentary life style, e.t.c

RISK FACTORS OF CHOLESTEROL

Factors that can increase the risk of bad cholesterol include:

• Poor diet. Eating saturated fat, found in animal products, and trans fats, found in some commercially baked cookies and crackers and microwave popcorn, can raise the cholesterol level. Foods that are high in cholesterol, such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, will also increase cholesterol.
• Obesity. Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater.
• Lack of exercise. Exercise helps boost body's HDL, or "good," cholesterol while increasing the size of the particles that make up  LDL, or "bad," cholesterol, which makes it less harmful.
• Smoking. Cigarette smoking damages the walls of blood vessels, making them more prone to accumulate fatty deposits. Smoking might also lower the level of HDL, or "good," cholesterol.
• Age. Because of body's chemistry changes , in old age hghier the risk of 
• Diabetes. High blood sugar contributes to higher levels of a dangerous cholesterol called very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and lower HDL cholesterol. High blood sugar also damages the lining of arteries.

COMPLICATION OF CHOLESTEROL

High cholesterol can cause a dangerous accumulation of cholesterol and other deposits on the walls of  arteries . These deposits  can reduce blood flow through arteries, which can cause complications, such as:

• Chest pain. If the arteries that supply the heart with blood (coronary arteries) are affected
• Heart attack. If plaques tear or rupture, a blood clot can form at the plaque-rupture site — blocking the flow of blood or breaking free and plugging an artery downstream. If blood flow to part of  heart stops.
• Stroke.  a stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to part of brain.

PREVENTION OF CHOLESTEROL

The same heart-healthy lifestyle changes that can lower the cholesterol can help prevent you from having high cholesterol in the first place. To help prevent high cholesterol;

• Eat a low-salt diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Limit the amount of animal fats and use good fats in moderation
• Lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight
• avoid smoking
• Exercise on most days of the week for at least 30 minutes
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
• Manage stress