While cholesterol helps your body function, too much of it can cause severe health issues including high blood pressure, heart disease and even stroke.

Are cholesterol and blood pressure related?

High blood pressure (hypertension) and high cholesterol also are linked. When the arteries become hardened and narrowed with cholesterol plaque and calcium (atherosclerosis), the heart has to strain much harder to pump blood through them. As a result, blood pressure becomes abnormally high.

Will lowering cholesterol lower blood pressure?

A newly released study shows that the cholesterol-lowering drugs also help to lower blood pressure. Study authors say it's the first time research has shown that statins work this way in the body.