Heart is like any muscle. It needs a constant and permanent supply of oxygen and nutrients. They are carried to it by the blood in the coronary arteries. In some particular situations, coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged by cholesterol and fat deposits, and they are not able any more to feed the heart with enough blood This process is called atherosclerosis and leads to coronary heart disease (CHD).

If the coronary arteries are only narrowed, you may experience chest pain called angina because not enough oxygen reaches the heart. When the coronary arteries become clogged, the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely discontinued, and the result is the heart attack. This situation usually happens due to a sudden closure from a blood clot forming on top of a previous narrowing.

Lowering blood cholesterol levels could reduce the risk of CHD.

Cholesterol is distributed intimately throughout our entire body. It is the most common organic molecule in our brain. It is also, an essential constituent of the membrane surrounding every cell adjusting the fluid level and rigidity of its wall, very important for both cell stability and function. Our body uses cholesterol to vitamin D and the bile acids that help to digest fat.

A steroid in its chemical structure, cholesterol is metabolized into other essential body steroids known as the steroid hormones and is therefore the sole substrate within our bodies for the formation of the very powerful chemicals that determine our sexuality, control the reproductive process and make possible our very existence.

It takes only a small amount of cholesterol in the blood to meet these needs. The excess is deposited in arteries, including the coronary arteries. Here it contributes to the narrowing and clogging that cause the signs and symptoms of CHD.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in issues affecting men health