What Are The Symptoms Of High Cholesterol?
Everyone over the age of 20 should get a blood test from their doctor to determine if their cholesterol levels are good. This is important because cholesterol by itself does not raise any warning signs.
It is important to avoid and control high cholesterol levels. However, many people don’t realize they have a cholesterol problem because they don’t have any visible symptoms at first. Cholesterol is a fat found in every cell of the body and its function is necessary for optimal body function.
It is mostly secreted by the liver, but it is also generally absorbed from certain foods that contain it. Among its functions, it is involved in the formation of bile acids, responsible for the digestion of fats. It is also involved in the formation of certain sex hormones and the thyroid gland.
However, it is needed by many organs, but if its levels are not controlled, it can be a trigger for many health problems. The biggest problem, as we said, is that many people don’t know that they have it in large quantities, because there are usually no clinical symptoms, which is what makes their treatment more problematic.
And as a result, it can cause liver damage, especially in relation to the circulatory system. For example, there is a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of this and other lipids in the walls of the arteries, preventing good blood circulation.
Types Of Cholesterol
It is important to remember that there are two main types of cholesterol
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol. Its function is to help transport cholesterol from the cells to the liver, where it is broken down and then excreted from the body.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol. It accumulates in the walls of arteries and can cause arterial disease.
According to data published by the NHS, a person has high cholesterol if they accumulate too much LDL or total cholesterol. Notice.
Total cholesterol levels are 5 mmol/l or lower in healthy adults and less than 4 mmol/L in high-risk individuals. And LDL levels should be less than or equal to 3 mmol/L for healthy adults.
Symptoms Of High Cholesterol Levels
As the Mayo Clinic points out, too much cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to form in the blood vessels. If left untreated, these deposits can develop into plaque in the arteries. At this point, blood flow decreases and complications such as
- Chest pain (angina pectoris).
- Heart attack.
- Stroke
It is important to note that these conditions may vary depending on the problem, but all have specific clinical signs that help identify them. The most common ones include
- Discomfort
- Extreme fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the neck, jaw, upper abdomen or back
- Numbness or coldness in the hands and feet
- Confusion
- Double vision
- Severe or sudden headache
- A feeling of pressure, tightness, fullness, or pain in the chest or arms
- Anxiety
- Difficulty breathing
Having any of these symptoms indicates a complication related to high cholesterol, so it is important to consult your doctor. Once the specialist has confirmed the diagnosis through various tests, he or she can prescribe the appropriate treatment plan.
What Can I Do To Control High Cholesterol?
First, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment, including lifestyle changes and taking certain medications. If the condition is mild, a specialist may only recommend dietary changes before suggesting medication. You should also continue to monitor your cholesterol levels through blood tests.
One in two adults worldwide has high cholesterol, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), many people don’t even know it. Do you know what cholesterol is, what it is used for and why it is important to control it?
Cholesterol is a type of fat that the body needs. It is produced in the liver and intestines during digestion, is present in every one of our cells, and is responsible for forming the hormones that the body needs to function.
Why Is It Important To Watch Your Levels?
Nutritionists explain that too much cholesterol in the blood can cause problems because it is deposited in the arteries and becomes a risk factor for the development of heart disease. This problem is known as hypercholesterolemia.
Eating too saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels. These fats are found in animal products, such as red meat, non-fat dairy products, and butter.
This symptom is often confused with a more common health problem that may go away on its own.
