High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, is a disease in which cholesterol levels are high in the blood and can further cause heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular diseases. Risk factors included family history, obesity, inactivity, smoking, age, diabetes, and high hypertension. Symptoms often are absent, but may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and yellowish skin patches. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 39% of adults worldwide suffer from high cholesterol levels that lead to over 2.6 million deaths every year. In the United States alone, more than 93 million adults have high cholesterol, representing nearly 1 in 3 adults who experience raised levels.
High cholesterol is a silent threat, often going undetected until it leads to severe health consequences. Since it rarely exhibits noticeable symptoms, recognizing the subtle warning signs is crucial. Here are a few indicators that may suggest elevated cholesterol levels:
Chest pain or discomfort (Angina): One can even experience angina, which is chest pain or discomfort, as one of the earliest warning signs of high cholesterol. The cholesterol will continue to build up in your arteries and eventually narrow and suffocate the vessels directing blood to the heart. This may cause mild to severe chest pains, pressure, or tightness that move up to the arms, neck, or jaw. Angina can be described as indigestion, heftiness, or a squeezing sensation in the chest and may occur when one is physically active, experiencing stress, or emotionally excited. In case of recurrent and worsening chest pain, seek prompt medical care as untreated cholesterol can result in heart attacks, stroke, or other cardiovascular urgencies. Early diagnosis and treatment are important.
Fatigue and weakness: The symptoms of high cholesterol could be subtle, fatigue, weakness and may seem like the stresses of sleep, aging, or even stress. As the cholesterol narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery to cells, energy production in the body slows. That would leave someone fighting exhaustion and lethargy, making simple daily activities difficult. One could get easily tired with light physical exertion, leaving breathless or exhausted. If one experiences unexplained prolonged tiredness, combined with chest pain or shortness of breath, they need to see their doctor. Cholesterol checks can detect the condition early, and treatment may, therefore, recover lost energy levels, in addition to preventing further serious cardiovascular complications. Medical attention should not be delayed.
Swollen legs and ankles (Edema): Edema, or swollen legs and ankles, may become a hidden high cholesterol symptom. Cholesterol deposits in arteries can slow down blood flow through the veins of the legs, ankles, and the general area, leading to fluid accumulation that causes swelling, puffiness, and discomfort. Edema can also be a sign of poor circulation, heart failure, or kidney damage, all of which are associated with high cholesterol. If swelling, redness, or warmth in your legs and ankles doesn’t go away, consult your doctor, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. Indeed, the complications may be averted by seeking immediate medical intervention.
Yellowish patches on skin (Xanthomas): Yellowish patches on the skin are known as xanthomas. It is a visible indication of high cholesterol. The tiny cholesterol deposits show up as yellowish or orange-colored lumps on the hands, feet, buttocks, or eyelids. Such deposits signal that there is an elevation in levels of LDL, raising the patient’s risk of heart disease and stroke. If they detect these unusual spots, they should visit their doctor once accompanied by symptoms like chest pain or weakness. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of high cholesterol can prevent its complication but can also reduce the size of xanthomas.
Shortness of breath (Dyspnea): Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is often an alarming sign of having high cholesterol. Deposits amassed inside the walls of arteries slow down blood flow to the heart and lungs, hence reducing oxygen delivery. This can result in difficulty breathing, wheezing, or even getting winded while resting or doing slight physical activities. Dyspnea may show cardiovascular stress, which may eventually lead to heart failure or pulmonary hypertension. If you have shortness of breath that persists or worsens over time and is accompanied by chest pain, fatigue, or swelling in your legs or ankles, immediately seek medical attention. Early treatment can reverse symptoms and prevent worsening complications.
In conclusion, recognition of subtle signs of high cholesterol, that is chest pain, fatigue, swollen legs and ankles, yellowish skin patches, and shortness of breath, may be important to prevent extreme cardiovascular complications. If you detect any of these symptoms, go see a doctor. Early treatment of high cholesterol significantly reduces one’s risk of suffering from heart disease, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions. That alone will save a lot of lives. Take control of your heart health now.