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What are the effects of high cholesterol on the body?

Jun 30, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
In general, high cholesterol levels may affect the body in several ways, including weight gain, metabolic disorders, abnormal liver function, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, and impaired immune system function. Patients with high cholesterol should pay attention to dietary control, reduce intake of high-cholesterol foods such as organ meats and egg yolks, increase consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and maintain a diet low in fat and sugar.

Generally, the effects of high cholesterol on the body may include weight gain, metabolic disorders, abnormal liver function, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and impaired immune system function. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Weight Gain

High cholesterol is an important contributing factor to obesity. Long-term consumption of foods high in fat and cholesterol, such as fried chicken, fatty meats, and egg yolks, can lead to elevated cholesterol levels in the body. This not only directly causes weight gain but also affects the body's metabolic mechanisms, making weight loss more difficult.

2. Metabolic Disorders

Elevated cholesterol levels may interfere with the normal metabolic processes of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, affecting the aerobic metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, thereby disrupting energy production and the synthesis of essential amino acids. Such metabolic disturbances may further impact the overall health of the body.

3. Abnormal Liver Function

The liver is the primary organ responsible for cholesterol metabolism. When cholesterol levels remain high for a prolonged period, the liver's workload increases, potentially reducing the liver cells' ability to break down blood lipids. This can not only lead to fatty liver disease but, in severe cases, may also result in cirrhosis, further impairing normal liver function.

4. Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Elevated cholesterol levels, especially high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, can lead to the deposition of plaque on blood vessel walls, causing atherosclerosis. This increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke. As cholesterol-induced plaques gradually grow, the blood vessel lumen narrows, impairing blood flow. In severe cases, complete vessel blockage can occur, leading to serious consequences such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.

5. Impaired Immune System

Elevated cholesterol levels may interfere with the normal functioning of the immune system, reducing the body's resistance to pathogens. This may lead to an increased risk of infections and the development of autoimmune diseases.

Patients with high cholesterol should pay attention to dietary control, reduce the intake of high-cholesterol foods such as organ meats and egg yolks, increase the proportion of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and maintain a diet that is low in fat and sugar, high in dietary fiber, and rich in vitamins.

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