Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found throughout the body. Our bodies need this fat-like substance for good health, but only in small amounts. Cholesterol helps the body build healthy cells, produce hormones, and synthesize vitamin D. It is produced naturally by the liver, but is also found in many of the foods we eat.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Low-density lipoprotein is widely known as “bad” cholesterol; it contributes to the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries. In high LDL levels, it can narrow blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the heart and brain.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): High-density lipoprotein is known as “good” cholesterol, as it helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood and returns it to the liver for elimination.
Desired cholesterol levels are:
- LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol: 40 mg/dL or higher
- Triglycerides: less than 150 mg/dL
Excess LDL and HDL levels throw the body out of balance, leading to a condition called hypercholesterolemia, high cholesterol. Although important to the body, the consequences can be serious and sometimes irreversible when cholesterol levels spike out of control.
What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol often has no obvious symptoms in its early stages. That’s why it’s often called the silent killer. Many individuals, especially women, may experience slightly different symptoms.
Recognizing the warning signs of high cholesterol in women and men early can lead to faster diagnosis and better treatment planning. These symptoms are often mistaken for stress, aging, or hormonal changes. These warning signs of high cholesterol should not be ignored because they can lead to physical health complications.
What are the common signs of high cholesterol?
Here are 10 warning signs of high cholesterol:
1. Chest pain
Chest pain occurs when cholesterol plaques restrict blood flow to the heart. It may feel like pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation in the chest.
2. Yellow plaques on the skin (Xanthomas)
Xanthomas are fatty deposits that appear as yellow lumps, often on the elbows, knees, buttocks, or around the eyes. Xanthomas are a visible sign of high cholesterol but are often overlooked.
3. Shortness of breath
When cholesterol clogs your arteries, your heart has to work harder to pump blood. This can lead to unexplained fatigue, especially during physical activity.
4. Numbness or Tingling in the Limbs
Signs of high cholesterol in the legs and arms can include a feeling of numbness. This occurs due to poor circulation when narrowed arteries restrict blood flow to the limbs.
5. High Blood Pressure
High cholesterol and high blood pressure often occur together. When arteries are narrowed by bad cholesterol, the heart has to work harder and pump more blood to circulate blood, leading to high blood pressure.
6. Headaches and Dizziness
Frequent headaches or dizziness can be a warning sign of clogged arteries, especially if you have other symptoms of high cholesterol.
7. Leg Pain
Frequent cramps or pain in the calves can be a sign of PAD, which is often associated with high cholesterol. The pain is due to restricted blood flow and usually improves with rest.
8. Memory Fog
A healthy brain and high concentration need adequate blood flow to function. Signs of high cholesterol can include brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness. This is especially common in older women with reduced estrogen levels.
9. Erectile dysfunction
High cholesterol in men can restrict blood flow to the reproductive organs, leading to erectile dysfunction (ED). This is often an early sign of blood vessel problems caused by high LDL levels.
10. Vision problems
Blurred vision, watery eyes, or a gray ring around the cornea can indicate high cholesterol. Blocked blood vessels in the retina can even lead to partial vision loss.
