Cholesterol is a waxy substance which coats the interior of our arteries.  Preventing high cholesterol, like so many other preventable diseases and conditions, is largely tied to proper diet, exercise, and sensible choices.  

The human body naturally begins to produce more cholesterol as it ages.  The trick is to have the right levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol, which is commonly known as bad cholesterol and good cholesterol.  

Smoking, high saturated fat diets, lack of exercise, and being overweight are the leading causes of having high cholesterol levels which together increase the risk of chest pains, heart attacks, strokes, and hardening of the arteries.

Managing your diet with healthy foods, high fiber, and rigorous exercise at least 30 minutes a day can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of these adverse conditions.
As the body builds up levels of LDL and HDL cholesterols it produces plaque which forms on the interior of the arteries restricting blood flow through the body and to the brain which can cause heart attacks and strokes.

Smoking lowers good cholesterol (HDL) by as much as 15% and can cause coronary artery disease, lung cancer, and increases the risk of heart attack in people with artheriolsclorosis.  Quitting smoking raises the level HDL and reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Exercise is essential, especially as we get older, to keep our weight down and also keep the heart healthy so that it pumps blood with more force through the body.  This increases oxygen and helps to purify the body of wastes and other toxins.  You should strive for 30 minutes of exercise per day.