What is a potential risk of untreated hypercholesterolemia?

Untreated hypercholesterolemia, which is characterized by high levels of cholesterol in the blood, significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This condition is known to cause the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, a narrowing and hardening of the arteries. This process can result in serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes due to reduced blood flow and potential blockages.

While the other options may represent health issues that can occur independently, they do not have a direct relationship with hypercholesterolemia as cardiovascular disease does. For instance, insomnia usually relates to stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors, kidney stones are associated with dietary factors and hydration levels, and thyroid dysfunction can be due to a variety of endocrine issues. Therefore, the connection between untreated hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular disease highlights the importance of managing cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of severe cardiovascular consequences.