The Effect Of Smoking On Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat, waxy, soft substance found in all parts of the body. It is necessary for the formation of cell membranes, hormones, and for other body functions. However, high amount of cholesterol levels can block and narrow your arteries. This can result in heart disease and death. Smoking elevates the blood cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease significantly.

The Effect of Smoking on Cholesterol:
Following are the effects of smoking in cholesterol:

• Increase in bad cholesterol or LDL: Low density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol can build up on the walls of the arteries. This buildup of cholesterol which is known as plaque, is the main culprit of heart disease. The buildup of plaque blocks the blood flow to the arteries, resulting in atherosclerosis and heart disease. Smoking elevates the Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and greatly increases the risk of heart disease
• Decrease in good cholesterol or HDL: High Density Lipoprotein(HDL) or good cholesterol carries the cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver, from where the cholesterol can be passed away. Smoking decreases the HDL cholesterol levels in the body. Hence, it greatly increases the risk of heart disease

The growth of plaque is progressive and painless. Hence, heart disease may attack a smoker suddenly. Through blood tests you can know the LDL and HDL levels and take precautions to prevent heart disease.

Smoking increases the bad cholesterol (LDL) and decreases the good cholesterol (HDL). In this way, smoking doubles the risk of heart disease in a person. The good news is   that when a person quits smoking, he/she can find a drop in bad cholesterol and increase in good cholesterol. Hence, by quitting smoking you would not only have better health, but also be safe from heart diseases.