Yes, high levels of cholesterol plays a significant contributing factor to risk of heart attack. Before we look at other information and statistics, here is something that you should know, something that needs to have high recall value. 

Ideal cholesterol levels

There are four different types of cholesterol values that are considered during diagnostics – total cholesterol, non-HDL, LDL and HDL. These are the reference values that indicate that your cholesterol levels are normal and not high.

• If you are 19 years or younger, your total cholesterol should be less than 170 mg/dl. Non-HDL should be less than 120 mg/dl, LDL should be less than 100 mg/dl, and HDL should be more than 45 mg/dl.
• If you are male above 20 years, your total cholesterol should be between 125–200 mg/dl. Non-HDL should be less than 130 mg/dl, LDL should be less than 100 mg/dl, and HDL should be more than 40 mg/dl.
• If you are a female above 20 years, your total cholesterol should be between 125–200 mg/dl. Non-HDL should be less than 130 mg/dl, LDL should be less than 100 mg/dl, and HDL should be more than 50 mg/dl.
  
  

Now, lets return to the main focus, that is heart attack and its relationship with cholesterol. It is an acknowledged fact that high levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, is linked to a higher risk of heart disease.  However, this should not cause alarm, as the severity of a heart attack depends on several factors. For example, the location and extent of blockage, the time between attack and treatment, and overall heart health.

It is also necessary to add here that heart attacks caused by high cholesterol are serious, but these attacks are not always the most severe in nature. To understand this, it is necessary to learn more about the different types of heart attacks and respective severity levels.

1. ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) – This is the most severe type among heart attacks. This is due to a complete blockage of a coronary artery. The patient is to receive immediate treatment to ensure blood flow and to reduce any damage to the heart. Symptoms include severe pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, feelings of nausea, and excessive sweating.
2. Non-ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) – This is classified as next in severity and is due to a partial block of a coronary artery. This require urgent treatment, though it is not as dangerous as the previous attack. Symptoms are similar to the previous type but not intense. 

• Silent Heart Attack – As a result of the absence of symptoms, the extent of damage depends on the time of detection and treatment. This makes the severity variable.