Cholesterol is a fat that your body needs to function. It is found in every cell. And it is important for the health of your cells, nerves, and brain. Your body produces all the cholesterol it needs.
High cholesterol is a blood condition that can put you at risk for heart disease. If you have high cholesterol, your blood contains too much LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is the “bad” type of cholesterol. It is called “bad” because it can build up in your arteries and make them stiff and narrow, increasing your risk of heart disease.
When your cholesterol is high, it can cause plaque to build up in your arteries and veins. This buildup makes it difficult for blood to flow through them and to the organs that depend on them for oxygen. The result is poor circulation, which can lead to sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
High cholesterol levels are common in people who lead unhealthy lifestyles or have certain medical conditions. But having one of these risk factors doesn’t always mean you’ll get high cholesterol. Plus, not having any of them doesn’t mean you won’t.
It’s not uncommon for people to have high cholesterol and not know it (since high cholesterol has no symptoms). But knowing the signs of high cholesterol can help you keep your cholesterol levels in check.
6 signs that can help you easily recognize high cholesterol
1. Chest pain
Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of high cholesterol. What’s more, it can be a sign of a life-threatening condition. If you experience chest pain, make sure to see your doctor as soon as possible.
When you have high cholesterol, your arteries become clogged with plaque. This means that blood can’t flow through them and starts to build up between cells. This can cause chest pain and even a heart attack.
If you have chest pain that lasts longer than 30 minutes, or is accompanied by shortness of breath or sweating, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is one of the first but often overlooked signs of high cholesterol. If you have shortness of breath, it could be a sign that your heart is not pumping as much blood as it should. This can happen because high cholesterol has caused plaque to build up in your arteries, making them narrower. When this happens, your heart has to work harder to pump blood through those narrowed arteries, leading to shortness of breath.
Some people may have shortness of breath without any other symptoms, while others may experience more serious complications such as a heart attack or stroke. It is important to see your doctor if you notice any new symptoms or if your current symptoms get worse over time.
3. Fatigue
Fatigue is a symptom of high cholesterol that you may not have thought of. High cholesterol levels can cause your body to produce more LDL. As it builds up, it can become hard and sticky, making it difficult for your heart to pump blood through your arteries. This is what causes heart disease.
Fatigue can also be the result of plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to your heart muscle. If this happens, blood flow is reduced and so is the amount of oxygen delivered to your heart muscle. Your heart then has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed arteries, which can make you feel tired even when you’re resting.
4. Jaundice
If you have high cholesterol, you may notice your skin turning yellow in the form of xanthomas. These are raised lumps on your skin that are caused by fat and cholesterol building up in your skin.
Although they usually appear as small lumps on the lower legs, they can also appear on the elbows, knees, buttocks, and arms. They can range in color from light yellow to dark brown, depending on the amount of cholesterol deposited in them.
Xanthomas are more common in people who are obese or have diabetes because these conditions lead to high levels of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol.
5. Grayish-white dark circles under the eyes
The signs of high cholesterol aren’t always obvious. But a common symptom is grayish-white dark circles under the eyes.
When your body has too much cholesterol, it can build up in your blood vessels and form plaques on the walls. This can lead to hardening of the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing your risk of heart disease.
The deposits can also cause scarring on the inside of your arteries, reducing their elasticity and making them stiffer. This can make it harder for your heart to pump blood through your arteries.
If you have this condition, your blood fats build up around your eyes. This can cause inflammation and irritation. Inflammation and irritation can lead to swelling and pain in this area. This can make it difficult to open your eyes properly or even see clearly.
