What Is Oxidized Cholesterol?
5. Is Oxidized Cholesterol Bad for You?
Oxidized cholesterol is similar to rancid, or spoiled, cooking oil. Oxidized cholesterol molecules, called oxysterols, damage endothelial cells, constrict blood vessels, and stick to artery walls. As this damage is occurring, white blood cells called macrophages inadvertently become part of the problem by engulfing the oxidized cholesterol, taking on a foamy consistency, and adhering to the growing plaques.
As plaques grow over time, they block blood flow to the heart and other organs. They are associated with heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, retinal degeneration, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, Niemann–Pick C1 disease, and Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome.
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