Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List
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Complications of Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels can be exacerbated by additional medical conditions. Medical problems such as an underactive thyroid gland, an overactive pituitary gland, liver disease or kidney failure can contribute to high cholesterol levels. Some people have inherited disorders that prevent their bodies from properly using and eliminating fats. This allows cholesterol to build up in the blood.
The major complications of raised blood cholesterol are heart attacks, strokes and arterial disease. The risks of all of these are increased if you:
- are overweight,
- smoke,
- have high blood pressure,
- have a strong family history of these problems,
- are diabetic.









