High cholesterol is one of the most significant yet silent threats to your cardiovascular health. It develops gradually, without obvious symptoms, and by the time most people discover it, some level of artery damage has already occurred. Cholesterol itself isn’t bad — in fact, it’s essential for building cells and producing hormones. However, when the balance between good and bad cholesterol is disrupted, it can have harmful effects on your heart and blood vessels. Understanding how high cholesterol affects the cardiovascular system helps you make informed choices about diet, exercise,...