Cholesterol is a type of fat that is essential for the functioning of the body. However, when the levels of cholesterol in the blood become too high, it can cause serious health problems. High cholesterol can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems, so it is important to be aware of the signs that your cholesterol levels may be too high. In this article, we will discuss ten signs of high cholesterol that you should never ignore.
- Chest pain or discomfort
High cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, which can lead to chest pain or discomfort. This can be a sign of angina, a condition that occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood flow.
- Shortness of breath
When the arteries are narrowed due to high cholesterol levels, the heart has to work harder to pump blood through them. This can lead to shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
High cholesterol can also cause peripheral artery disease, which is a condition that occurs when the arteries that supply blood to the arms and legs become narrow or blocked. This can lead to numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
- Yellowish patches on the skin
High cholesterol can cause yellowish patches to form on the skin, especially around the eyes. These patches are called xanthomas and are a sign that there is too much cholesterol in the blood.
- Headaches
While headaches can be caused by many things, they can also be a sign of high cholesterol. High cholesterol can cause the blood vessels in the brain to narrow, which can lead to headaches.
- Fatigue
High cholesterol can cause a feeling of fatigue or weakness. This can be due to the fact that the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the narrowed arteries.
- Vision problems
High cholesterol can cause the blood vessels in the eyes to narrow, which can lead to vision problems such as blurred vision or difficulty seeing.
- Swollen ankles or feet
When the heart is not able to pump blood effectively due to narrowed arteries, fluid can build up in the legs, ankles, and feet. This can cause swelling and discomfort.
- Digestive problems
High cholesterol can also cause problems with digestion, such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. This can be due to the fact that the blood vessels that supply blood to the digestive tract can become narrowed.
- Erectile dysfunction
Finally, high cholesterol can also lead to erectile dysfunction in men. This is because high cholesterol can cause the blood vessels in the penis to become narrow, which can make it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection.
In conclusion, high cholesterol can have serious consequences for your health. If you are experiencing any of these ten signs, it is important to talk to your doctor about your cholesterol levels. Your doctor can perform a simple blood test to check your cholesterol levels and recommend lifestyle changes or medications to help lower them. Don’t ignore the signs of high cholesterol – take action to protect your health.
