It is never too early to pay attention to risks associated with heart disease and stroke. High levels of cholesterol, among other factors, increase the body’s risk for ischemic vascular disease (IVD). IVD is characterized by plaque buildup in the blood vessels. The buildup results in a condition called atherosclerosis that restricts normal blood flow and can affect any artery of the heart, brain, arms, legs, pelvis and kidneys. The term “ischemic vascular disease” includes any of the diseases caused by plaque buildup including: