High cholesterol, a fatty substance present in your bloodstream, is essential for building healthy cells. Often, elevated cholesterol levels usually don't display obvious symptoms, even in active individuals. Symptoms become apparent when high cholesterol leads to various health problems, such as:
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): A condition where fatty deposits clog arteries in the limbs, particularly the legs, causing PAD. Symptoms emerge when an artery is at least 60% blocked. Key indicators include intermittent claudication, causing leg cramps during movement that ease with rest. PAD isn't confined to limbs; it affects the entire cardiovascular system.
High Blood Pressure: High cholesterol often goes hand in hand with high blood pressure (hypertension). Cholesterol buildup stiffens arteries, forcing the heart to work harder and raising blood pressure. High blood pressure, when combined with high cholesterol, significantly contributes to heart disease.
Diabetes Mellitus: Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes double the risk of heart and peripheral artery disease. Diabetes is linked to unfavorable lipid profiles, featuring low levels of protective high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and high triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs).
High cholesterol can also cause the dangerous accumulation of cholesterol and other substances on the inner walls of your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This buildup of deposits, referred to as plaques, can result in complications, including:
Chest discomfort: When these deposits affect the arteries supplying your heart with blood (coronary arteries), you may experience chest pain, also known as angina, and other symptoms associated with coronary artery disease.
Heart attack: In cases where plaques rupture or tear, it can lead to the formation of a blood clot at the site of rupture. This clot can block the blood flow, causing a heart attack if it occurs in the coronary arteries.
Stroke: Similar to a heart attack, a stroke can occur when a blood clot obstructs blood flow to a part of your brain. This interruption in blood supply can result in a stroke.
High cholesterol itself doesn't typically produce specific symptoms. Instead, the focus should be on monitoring cholesterol levels and managing them through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medical interventions to prevent the development of the above-mentioned conditions. Hence, regular checkups and cholesterol screenings are essential for early detection and management.