High Cholesterol Symptoms
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the bloodstream, and it’s a crucial component in the body that helps with various functions such as cell membrane formation, hormone production, and digestion. However, an excessive level of cholesterol can lead to numerous health problems, including heart disease. In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms that your body might show to indicate that your cholesterol levels have increased.
Cholesterol is a very important element in the human body. Cholesterol increases in the body due to people’s eating habits. And if you live a life like sitting more. Cholesterol levels can increase anytime due to excessive smoking, drinking alcohol, consumption of jordans, excess fat like oily and fried foods, excess sugary foods, junk food, butter, mayonnaise etc. There are also some diseases that are responsible for cholesterol, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. There are also some medications that increase cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol is a wax-like fatty substance in the blood. Almost every cell and tissue in the human body contains cholesterol. Liver and brain have the highest amount. Cholesterol circulates in the blood by forming compounds called lipoproteins. When cholesterol increases in the blood, it accumulates inside the blood vessels. It is very important to be careful in this situation. Because cholesterol can accumulate in different parts of the body. Cholesterol can even accumulate in the legs. Therefore, the symptoms of cholesterol increase can also be seen in the legs.
Three types of lipoproteins are found in the blood, namely – low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides. LDL is called bad cholesterol, and when the amount of bad cholesterol increases, it can cause problems with the circulatory system, increasing the risk of stroke and heart disease. Generally, 70 percent of human blood is LDL. HDL is called good cholesterol. It reduces the risk of heart disease. And triglycerides stay in the blood plasma as fat. Tri-glycerides are made from animal fats or carbohydrates in the human diet.
Heart works as a machine to pump blood in our body. And cholesterol often accumulates in the arteries that supply blood to the whole body. This is mainly due to unhealthy lifestyle. As a result, the artery walls begin to thin. In such a situation, blood cannot reach different parts of the body. Elevated cholesterol increases the risk of many diseases including heart attack.
Beneficial cholesterol produces many hormones in the body including testosterone, estrogen hormone. Cholesterol is also needed to increase metabolism. But despite being so beneficial, bad cholesterol can push our lives towards death. Because bad cholesterol becomes an enemy for our body. And the most important thing is that bad cholesterol but silently affects our body. And there are no signs of it. That is why it is called the silent killer. Although there are some signs in the body, which can be seen, it can be understood that cholesterol has settled in the body. For this it is very important to know about these symptoms.
Symptoms of increased cholesterol levels
Numbness and swelling in hands and feet
When bad cholesterol increases in the body, its effects start appearing in the hands and feet first. When bad cholesterol increases, the blood supply to the hands and feet decreases. Due to this, the color of the vein also starts to change. As a result, the hands and feet become swollen and numb. Along with that there is severe pain. And the hands and feet started getting weak.
Rashes start to appear on the skin
As bad cholesterol increases, plaque begins to build up in blood vessels. As a result, spots and rashes appear on the skin. Such rash can appear in different parts of the body. Eg – Cholesterol rashes appear under the eyes, back, legs and palms.
The nails are damaged
When excess cholesterol builds up in the blood, it thins the artery walls. Due to this, blood cannot reach different parts of the body properly. And nails are also affected. Cholesterol usually causes dark spots on the nails. Even nails become brittle. Not only that, if you see the nails becoming thin and brown, you should know that the level of cholesterol has increased.
Yellowish spots around the eyes
When the cholesterol level increases, yellowish spots are formed around the eyes. Again, if the bad cholesterol increases too much, this spot can also be seen on the nose. This is called Xantheplasma palpebrum (XP).
Chest Pain or Discomfort
Chest pain or discomfort is one of the most noticeable symptoms that your cholesterol levels have increased. Chest pain can be a warning sign of a heart attack, which is often caused by cholesterol buildup in the arteries leading to the heart. If you experience chest pain, seek medical attention immediately.
Fatty Deposits
Fatty deposits, also known as xanthomas, are small, yellowish bumps that form under the skin. They can be an indication of high cholesterol levels, as the cholesterol accumulates in these deposits. Fatty deposits are usually found around the eyes, elbows, knees, or heels.
Numbness or Tingling in the Extremities
High cholesterol levels can also cause peripheral artery disease, which occurs when cholesterol buildup in the arteries reduces blood flow to the legs and feet. This can result in numbness, tingling, or pain in the extremities.
Swollen Ankles or Legs
Swollen ankles or legs can also be a sign of high cholesterol levels, as well as other underlying health problems. The swelling can be due to fluid buildup caused by poor circulation in the legs, which can be a result of blocked arteries.
Skipped Heartbeats
High cholesterol levels can also affect the heart’s rhythm, causing skipped heartbeats or palpitations. If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly.
What can be done to prevent cholesterol levels from increasing in the body
It is always advisable to be careful so that cholesterol does not increase. So you have to rush for food and drinks while there is time. And give up bad habits. Processed foods, pizza burgers, packaged items etc. should be excluded from the diet. Instead, eat more healthy food. For example, seasonal green vegetables, whole grains, fruits etc. should be kept in the diet. Along with this, bad habits like smoking and alcohol consumption should also be given up. Regular exercise should be done along with healthy food. At least 30 minutes of exercise should be done every day. If you don’t have that time, you have to look at the clock and take a walk.
In conclusion, if you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s essential to have your cholesterol levels checked. High cholesterol can be controlled through lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking. If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. Don’t ignore the signs and symptoms of high cholesterol. Take control of your health today and talk to your doctor about your cholesterol levels.
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