High cholesterol diets lead to high cholesterol levels in the blood. Low density lipoproteins, known as LDLs or BAD-cholesterol, build up in the artery walls. They form solid plaques which narrow the artery. This decreases space for blood to flow through the arteries and so the heart muscle receives less oxygen. Lack of oxygen to the heart can cause chest pain, weaken the heart muscle and can lead to heart attack.