Cholesterol is a waxy substance that the body needs for many important functions, including building healthy cells. But too much bad cholesterol can be harmful, specifically, high levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and other harmful health complications. Excess LDL cholesterol can build up in the artery walls over many years and cause narrowing of the blood vessels that carry blood to the heart, brain, and other parts of the body.
Cholesterol plaques can build up inside blood vessels and grow slowly over many years. The narrowing of the blood vessels leading to the heart can cause symptoms called angina or chest pain. Apart from angina in some cases, most people do not experience specific symptoms of high cholesterol. Therefore, similar to high blood pressure, high cholesterol is considered a “silent killer”.
However, cholesterol plaques can not only block blood flow to vital organs like the heart and brain, but part of the plaque can break off and break off. A blood clot forms at the site of the rupture and can block blood supply to the heart, causing a heart attack. On the other hand, a stroke can occur if the blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain.
How does high cholesterol affect to women?
High cholesterol usually does not cause any symptoms in men or women until it is severe enough to cause serious health problems like a heart attack or stroke.
However, there are some differences based on gender, including:
1. Changes in cholesterol levels with age in women
Women usually have lower cholesterol levels during their reproductive years than men. But after age 55, menopause can cause a drop in estrogen levels, leading to increased cholesterol in women. Fluctuations in estrogen levels during a woman’s menstrual cycle can also affect cholesterol levels. Evidence suggests that cholesterol levels increase during pregnancy to support fetal growth and development.
2. Risk Factors Related to Health Conditions
A number of medical conditions are associated with a higher risk of unhealthy cholesterol levels, including chronic kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease (high or low thyroid hormones), lupus, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Some of these conditions only occur in women (PCOS), while others are much more common in women (lupus and thyroid disease).
3. Risk of Heart Disease in Women
High cholesterol is one of the main causes of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women.
High blood pressure, which is also a risk factor for heart disease and often occurs along with high cholesterol, is often underdiagnosed in women. Alarmingly, less than a quarter of women with high blood pressure have their blood pressure under control, while the majority of women with high blood pressure are at increased risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other health complications.
What are the signs of high cholesterol in women?
Here are 7 common signs:
1. Chest pain or angina
Angina, or chest pain, occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. This can happen because the coronary arteries are narrowed by plaque buildup. Women may experience angina differently than men, often describing it as a sharp, burning pain rather than the usual pressure-like feeling.
2. Shortness of breath
When cholesterol levels are high, it can lead to narrowing of the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. This can cause shortness of breath, especially with physical exertion or emotional stress.
3. Fatigue and weakness
Women with high cholesterol may feel unusually tired or weak, even when not physically active. This may be due to reduced blood flow to muscles and tissues, which need enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly.
4. Numbness or coldness in the extremities
High cholesterol can contribute to peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD can cause numbness, tingling, or coldness in the legs and feet due to reduced blood flow to these areas.
5. High blood pressure
Although not a direct symptom, high blood pressure often accompanies high cholesterol. Plaque buildup in the arteries makes it harder for blood to flow, increasing the pressure inside the arteries
6. Yellow deposits on the skin
Xanthomas are yellow cholesterol deposits that can appear on the skin, especially around the eyes, elbows, knees, and tendons. Although more common in people with a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol, these deposits can be a clear sign of high cholesterol.
7. Sudden dizziness or loss of balance
Dizziness or problems with balance can occur if high cholesterol leads to a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). These symptoms should be taken seriously and require immediate medical attention.
