8 Signs Your Body is Experiencing High Cholesterol, Recognize it Before it's Too Late!

Kapanlagi.com - High cholesterol often hides without noticeable symptoms, so many people are unaware of its presence until it's too late. In fact, if left unchecked, uncontrolled cholesterol can pose serious risks to health, especially heart health.

Therefore, it is important for us to recognize the signs of high cholesterol so we can prevent more serious complications in the future. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is very important for our body, playing a role in hormone production and the digestive process.

However, there are two types of cholesterol that we need to know: Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), known as "bad" cholesterol, and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), which is "good" cholesterol.

LDL cholesterol tends to accumulate in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease, while HDL works to clear excess cholesterol in the blood. Here are some symptoms of high cholesterol to watch out for, as reported by Kapanlagi.com from The Healthsite, Thursday (6/2/2025).

1. Skin Changes and Yellow Spots

The appearance of yellow spots or small bumps on the eyelids, elbows, or knees can be a sign of high cholesterol, known as xanthoma.

These spots are caused by the buildup of cholesterol under the skin and may be accompanied by oilier or thicker skin.

If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately to check your cholesterol levels.

2. Fatigue and Weakness

Do you often feel tired even after a good night's sleep? Be careful, it could be a signal from your body that your cholesterol levels are high!

The buildup of cholesterol in the blood vessels can hinder blood flow that carries vital oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.

As a result, you may feel drained of energy, as if your body is not getting enough supply to function properly.

If this fatigue continues to haunt you, even though you are getting enough sleep, it may be time to pay attention to your cholesterol levels that may be out of control.

3. High Blood Pressure

When cholesterol builds up in the arteries, the walls of the blood vessels narrow and harden, obstructing blood flow.

As a result, the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, which can lead to spikes in blood pressure—often becoming an early signal of hypertension.

If you often feel dizzy or find that your blood pressure is high, don’t delay in checking your cholesterol levels.

Uncontrolled hypertension can worsen your heart health, so it’s important to take proactive steps to protect this vital organ.

4. Pain or Numbness in Limbs

High cholesterol can be a major enemy to health, especially in triggering peripheral artery disease (PAD).

When the blood vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs are blocked by cholesterol, blood flow is hindered, causing pain or even numbness in the extremities.

These symptoms often appear when you walk or move, when the body requires more blood and oxygen to function optimally.

If you experience persistent pain or numbness, be alert! This could be a signal of serious issues with blood circulation due to high cholesterol levels in the body.

5. Chest Pain or Discomfort

Chest pain or angina is a warning signal from the body that should not be ignored, often arising from cholesterol buildup that narrows blood vessels.

When cholesterol adheres to the walls of the arteries, blood flow to the heart is obstructed, triggering pain or discomfort that can disrupt daily activities.

If left untreated, this condition has the potential to develop into more serious heart disease.

This pain often occurs during physical activity or stress, but it can also appear suddenly without any clear reason.

Therefore, never underestimate these symptoms, as they could be an early sign of a life-threatening heart attack.

6. Difficulty Concentrating

Disrupted blood flow to the brain due to cholesterol buildup can affect our thinking ability.

When cholesterol levels are high, the blood vessels leading to the brain can narrow, resulting in the brain lacking oxygen and essential nutrients.

This can make you feel difficulty concentrating, forgetting important information, or even feeling confused.

If these symptoms occur frequently, get yourself checked immediately, as this could be a sign that cholesterol has begun to affect brain function.

7. Headache

Frequent and intense headaches can be a sign of pressure in the blood vessels due to obstructed blood flow. High cholesterol can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels, which in turn increases blood pressure.

This pressure can trigger recurring headaches. If you often experience headaches that are difficult to manage, it is advisable to consult a doctor and check your cholesterol levels, so that this issue does not develop into something more serious.

So, do not underestimate these signs! Keeping cholesterol levels within normal limits is an important step in maintaining heart health and overall body health.

8. Shortness of Breath

Additionally, shortness of breath during light activity or at rest can also indicate that cholesterol is blocking the arteries, hindering the heart from pumping blood and causing a lack of oxygen.

Prolonged shortness of breath may indicate issues with heart function due to high cholesterol.

(kpl/rao)