Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that your body needs to function properly. Lipoproteins are small round particles made of lipids (fats) and proteins that carry cholesterol throughout your body through your blood. Lipoproteins include LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is bad, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is considered ‘good cholesterol’
The normal cholesterol levels you should check for when getting a cholesterol test are:
- A normal HDL level: greater than or equal to 40 mg/dL.
- A normal LDL level: less than 100 mg/dL.
- A normal triglyceride level: less than 150 mg/dL.
- A normal total cholesterol level: less than 200 mg/dL.
Different symptoms of high cholesterol
High cholesterol is a condition where there is too much fat in the blood. This condition is also known as hypercholesterolemia.
In addition to age, high cholesterol can also be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. It starts with unhealthy food consumption, lack of exercise, and smoking habits.
LDL, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels are often used to diagnose high cholesterol.
Symptoms of high cholesterol are basically non-existent. However, there are some signs that a person is likely to have high cholesterol.
What signs indicate that you are likely to have high cholesterol?
Here are 10 signs you should know:
1. Jaundice
Xanthoma is a condition in which fat develops under the skin and appears as small yellow patches of skin. These patches can appear on the fingers, knees, or elbows, and can be itchy and sensitive to the touch.
2. Jaundice
Xanthelasma is a type of xanthoma characterized by yellow fatty lumps in the corners of the eyes. Xanthelasma is not a serious condition in most cases. Although not always harmless, xanthelasma can be a sign of high cholesterol.
3. Corneal Arc
Symptoms of high cholesterol are also associated with corneal arc. This condition is characterized by the appearance of a grayish-white ring on the outside of the cornea of the eye. This condition, also known as presbyopia arc, can also occur due to fatty deposits at the edge of the cornea.
4. Dizziness or Headaches
People who experience frequent dizziness or migraines may have high total or LDL cholesterol levels. However, this condition is still being studied further.
Some experts believe that dizziness or headaches may be a sign of high cholesterol, especially in people who have had complications from high cholesterol.
5. Pain in the Back of the Neck
People with hypercholesterolemia tend to feel pain in the back of the neck. This may be due to a buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels in that area.
6. Leg Pain
Uncontrolled high cholesterol can also cause leg or foot pain. This condition occurs when plaque blocks the flow of blood through the arteries, reducing blood flow to body tissues, including the legs and feet.
7. Chest Pain
Chest pain is one of the signs of high cholesterol to watch out for. This is because the condition can be a sign of complications caused by high cholesterol. Plaque buildup on the artery walls interrupts the blood supply to the heart, causing chest pain or angina.
8. Shortness of Breath
Signs of high cholesterol, in addition to chest pain, can also be accompanied by shortness of breath. This condition can occur because plaque buildup can inhibit the amount of oxygen needed to reach the heart and lungs.
9. Excessive Fatigue
Indirectly, symptoms of high cholesterol also include excessive fatigue. This symptom appears as one of the complications of uncontrolled cholesterol levels over a long period of time.
10. Tingling or Cramping in the Legs
High cholesterol levels, especially LDL, can inhibit the delivery of blood and oxygen to the legs, causing tingling or cramping. In more severe cases, high LDL can also slow wound healing.
How to lower high cholesterol?
If high cholesterol is left untreated, the risk can cause serious diseases, such as stroke and heart attack. Therefore, it is important to know the possible characteristics of high cholesterol.
- You should live a healthy lifestyle every day to recognize the symptoms and complications of high cholesterol. Here are some ways to lower high cholesterol.
- Start by consuming cholesterol-lowering foods and other healthy foods.
- Exercise regularly at least 5 times a week, 30 minutes each time.
- Reduce and maintain an ideal and healthy weight.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
If you are in good health, you should have your cholesterol checked every 1-2 years. However, if you have any of the following conditions, you should have your cholesterol checked more often.
- Over 40 years old.
- Overweight.
- Unhealthy eating habits.
- Lack of exercise.
- Smoking habits.
- Regular alcohol consumption.
