Too much cholesterol harms the body by _______.

Too much cholesterol harms the body primarily by sticking to artery walls and restricting blood flow. When excess cholesterol deposits accumulate in the arteries, they can form plaque, which narrows and hardens the arteries—a condition known as atherosclerosis. This restriction impedes blood flow, which can lead to serious cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks or strokes. It is crucial for maintaining heart health to manage cholesterol levels effectively, as uninterrupted blood flow is vital for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the body's tissues.

The other choices, while related to health issues, do not specifically address the impact of high cholesterol on the cardiovascular system in the same way. Interfering with sugar regulation, blocking nutrient absorption, or inhibiting red blood cells' oxygen-carrying capacity are not direct consequences of high cholesterol levels; therefore, they do not accurately capture the primary mechanism by which excess cholesterol harms the body.