Health Tip: The Dangers of Having High Cholesterol It raises your risk of a host of diseases

Health Tip: The Dangers of Having High CholesterolIt raises your risk of a host of diseases By Diana Kohnle (HealthDay News) -- High cholesterol usually refers to above-normal levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein), the so-called "bad cholesterol" that can build up in your arteries and lead to heart disease.A bad heart may not be the only downside to high cholesterol, however. The Cleveland Clinic says high LDL also increases your risk of:Stroke.Peripheral vascular disease (PAD), which occurs when fatty deposits build up in arteries outside the heart and brain, most often in the legs and feet.Type 2 diabetes.High blood pressure, since the heart has to work harder to pump blood through clogged arteries.