What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance your body uses to protect nerves, make cell tissues and produce certain hormones. The liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. Cholesterol can also come directly from the food you eat, for example eggs, meat and dairy products. Too much cholesterol can have a negative impact on their health.
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Why a high cholesterol level unhealthy?

Although some cholesterol is necessary for good health, too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke (embolism).

The excess cholesterol in your blood can be stored in your arteries, ie the blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of your body. The accumulation of cholesterol in your arteries is known as plaque. This will cause your arteries to narrow and harden which is known as arteriosclerosis. Large deposits of cholesterol can completely block an artery. Cholesterol plaques also may crack causing the formation of a blood clot that blocks blood flow.

If an artery that supplies blood to the muscles of your heart is blocked it can cause a heart attack (myocardial infarction). If an artery that supplies blood to your brain becomes blocked, a stroke can occur also called stroke.