Elevated cholesterol in the blood is not a disease, but it can result in the development of diseases and other health problems over time. One of the biggest dangers of elevated cholesterol is the development of arterial plague, which constricts blood flow and can lead to heart attack and stroke. The constriction of blood flow can also result in impairment of other organs like the liver, intestines, and eyes. Dietary concerns, genetics, and numerous health problems including obesity and type 2 diabetes can play a role in having elevated cholesterol levels, but the biggest contributing factor for many people is diet. Dietary cholesterol is mostly found in animal-derived food products like butter, eggs, cheese, and fatty meats. A reduction in consumption of dietary cholesterol and alcohol along with increased physical activity has been shown to lower elevated cholesterol levels.