Cholesterol is a fat produced by the liver and found in some foods. It is essential for building cells and producing hormones and vitamins.
High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is a condition in which there is too much cholesterol in the blood. Too much cholesterol can be harmful, leading to health problems such as heart disease.
Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream attached to proteins. This combination of protein and cholesterol is called a lipoprotein. There are two main types of lipoproteins:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL):Often called “bad” cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol particles throughout your body. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to a buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, which can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL):Known as “good” cholesterol, HDL helps remove cholesterol from the blood, transporting it to the liver, where it is broken down and eliminated from the body. Higher HDL cholesterol levels are beneficial and help reduce your risk of heart disease.
Causes of high cholesterol
Here are some common causes:
- Unhealthy diet: Consuming foods high in saturated fat and trans fat can lead to unhealthy cholesterol levels. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Lack of exercise: Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can help control cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.
- Obesity: A body mass index (BMI) over 30 increases your risk of high cholesterol. Controlling your weight through diet and exercise is important.
- Smoking: Smoking can lower HDL (good) cholesterol and damage blood vessel walls, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup.
- Age: As you get older, your liver becomes less effective at removing LDL cholesterol from your blood. This natural aging process can contribute to high cholesterol levels.
- Family history: Genetics play a role in cholesterol levels. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, you are at higher risk.
- Other medical conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hypothyroidism can increase your risk of high cholesterol. It is important to manage these conditions with the help of a health care professional.
Early warning signs of high cholesterol
Includes the following 6 signs:
1. Yellow deposits around the eyes or skin
A telltale symptom of high cholesterol is the formation of yellow deposits, called xanthomas, around the eyes, elbows, knees, or skin. These deposits, which may appear as small, raised lumps or plaques, indicate high blood cholesterol levels.
2. Chest Pain or Angina
High cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in the arteries that supply oxygenated blood to the heart. This can lead to chest pain or discomfort, known as angina, especially during exercise or emotional stress. Angina is often described as a burning, squeezing, or pressure sensation in the chest.
3. Shortness of Breath
When cholesterol narrows the arteries that supply the lungs, it can cause shortness of breath, especially during exercise or at rest. This occurs when the lungs do not receive enough oxygenated blood due to limited blood flow.
4. Numbness or Weakness in the Limbs
A buildup of cholesterol in the arteries can reduce blood flow to the limbs, leading to numbness, weakness, or a tingling sensation in the arms and legs. This can indicate peripheral artery disease (PAD), a disorder associated with high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease and diagnosed by the best heart surgeons.
5. Frequent Headaches
While headaches can have many causes, persistent or recurring headaches, especially those accompanied by dizziness or vision loss, may indicate high cholesterol. Headaches and other neurological symptoms may be the result of restricted blood supply to the brain due to constricted arteries.
6. Digestive Problems
High cholesterol levels can impair the liver’s ability to produce bile, leading to digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating, constipation, or gallstones. These symptoms may signal underlying cholesterol problems and should not be ignored.
