High Cholesterol Alert: 6 Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

By rjoachim | August 3, 2023

Chest pain

If you experience chest pain, it could be a sign of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply your heart with blood. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, and other substances. As plaque builds up, it narrows the arteries and makes it harder for blood to flow through them. This can cause chest pain, especially during exercise or exertion.

2. Numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, or face

Numbness or tingling in your arms, legs, or face could be a sign of a stroke. A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in your brain, or when a blood vessel in your brain ruptures. High cholesterol can increase your risk of stroke, so if you experience numbness or tingling, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

3. Vision problems

Blurred vision, double vision, or blackened vision could also be a sign of high cholesterol. This is because high cholesterol can damage the arteries that supply blood to your eyes. If you experience any vision problems, it’s important to see an eye doctor right away.

4. Fatigue

Feeling tired all the time could be a sign of high cholesterol. This is because high cholesterol can make it harder for your heart to pump blood throughout your body. As a result, your body doesn’t get the oxygen and nutrients it needs, which can lead to fatigue.

5. Joint pain

Joint pain can also be a sign of high cholesterol. This is because high cholesterol can increase your risk of developing arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in your joints.

6. Yellowing of the skin

Yellowing of the skin, also known as jaundice, could be a sign of high cholesterol. This is because high cholesterol can damage your liver. The liver is responsible for breaking down cholesterol, so if it’s damaged, cholesterol can build up in your bloodstream and cause jaundice.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away. High cholesterol can be a serious condition, but it can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. So don’t ignore these symptoms, get checked out by a doctor so you can start treatment and protect your heart health.

Here are some lifestyle changes that can help lower your cholesterol:

  • Eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
  • Quit smoking.
  • Manage stress.

If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may also prescribe medication to help lower your levels.

It’s important to remember that high cholesterol is a silent killer. That’s why it’s so important to get regular checkups and blood tests so your doctor can monitor your cholesterol levels. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, don’t ignore them. See your doctor right away so you can get the treatment you need to protect your heart health.

Posted in Health & Wellness and tagged , , , , , , , , ,