Beware of the Signs of High Cholesterol Buildup, Prevent Before It's Too Late

Kapanlagi.com - High cholesterol often becomes a 'silent killer' that lurks in our health without us realizing it. Many people only become aware of this problem after facing serious complications, such as heart attacks or strokes. However, did you know that there are several signs you can detect before it's too late?

Symptoms of high cholesterol can appear in the form of chest pain, headaches, prolonged fatigue, tingling, and even fat buildup under the skin. If left unchecked, this condition can increase the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and various other vascular disorders.

Therefore, it is very important to recognize the signals that our body gives us. Let's take a look at some signs of high cholesterol that you need to be aware of to maintain your health and avoid more serious risks.

1. Recurring Headaches and Dizziness

One often-overlooked sign of high cholesterol is headaches and dizziness that occur without a clear cause. This condition arises because the buildup of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels leads to the narrowing of arteries, which impedes blood flow to the brain.

Common symptoms include:

• Frequent headaches, especially in the morning
• Sudden dizziness when getting up from sitting or lying down
• A heavy sensation in the head without a clear cause

If you frequently experience headaches without a clear reason, it is important to check your cholesterol levels to prevent further complications.

2. Pain and Cramps in the Legs

High cholesterol can also lead to peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition where the blood vessels in the legs narrow due to the buildup of cholesterol plaques. As a result, blood flow to the legs is disrupted, causing pain and cramps, especially during walking or physical activity.

Symptoms to watch out for:

• Pain or cramps in the calves, thighs, or legs while walking
• Feeling of tingling or numbness in the legs
• Wounds on the legs that are difficult to heal due to lack of blood flow

If you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical examination to assess the health of your blood vessels.

3. Chest Pain (Angina) and Shortness of Breath

Chest pain or angina is one of the common signs of high cholesterol that can lead to heart disease. When cholesterol levels are high, plaque can build up in the heart's blood vessels, restricting blood flow and making the heart work harder.

Signs of chest pain due to high cholesterol:

• A feeling of pain or pressure in the chest that occurs during physical activity
• Shortness of breath, especially during exercise or climbing stairs
• Pain that radiates to the shoulder, arm, or back

If chest pain occurs repeatedly and is accompanied by shortness of breath, consult a doctor immediately as it could be an early sign of a heart attack.

4. The Appearance of Fat Under the Skin (Xanthoma)

Another characteristic of high cholesterol is the appearance of yellowish fat lumps under the skin, known as xanthoma. This condition usually occurs around the eyelids, elbows, knees, or the back of the hands.

Characteristics of xanthoma:

• Small lumps or yellowish spots
• Painless, but can grow larger
• Often appears in people with a family history of high cholesterol

Xanthoma is a sign that cholesterol levels in the blood are very high, requiring immediate treatment to prevent further complications.

5. Erectile Dysfunction in Men

High cholesterol can cause narrowing of blood vessels throughout the body, including in the area of the male reproductive organs. As a result, blood flow to the penis becomes restricted, which can lead to erectile dysfunction.

Signs of erectile dysfunction due to high cholesterol:

• Difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection
• Decreased sensitivity or sexual desire
• Weaker erections than usual

If you experience these issues repeatedly, it is advisable to have your cholesterol levels and blood vessel health checked.

6. Yellowing Nails and Hard-to-Heal Wounds

Cholesterol buildup in blood vessels can also impact nail health and the wound healing process. Disrupted blood flow causes nails to appear paler or yellowish and makes wounds take longer to heal.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Nails changing color to more yellow or pale
• Small wounds that are hard to heal and easily infected
• Skin on the feet or hands feels colder

If you experience these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately as they could be a sign of circulation problems due to high cholesterol.

7. Stroke and Heart Attack

High cholesterol increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially if not addressed promptly. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked due to a blockage in blood vessels, which can lead to sudden paralysis.

Stroke symptoms to watch out for:

• Numbness or weakness on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding conversation
• Loss of balance or sudden dizziness

If someone experiences stroke symptoms, seek medical help immediately as prompt treatment can save lives.

8. The Importance of Routine Check-ups

High cholesterol can pose a serious threat to health, and in more severe cases, it can lead to loss of balance and difficulty moving limbs, similar to stroke symptoms. Stiffness in the neck and shoulders can also be a signal of a problem, while in men, impaired blood flow to the penis can result in erectile dysfunction, which is another sign of high cholesterol.

This condition often accompanies other health issues, such as high blood sugar and hypertension, making it crucial not to ignore these symptoms. If you have risk factors, such as a family history, obesity, smoking habits, lack of exercise, or an unhealthy diet, consult your doctor for a routine check-up as soon as possible.

Total cholesterol levels are considered high if they exceed 240 mg/dL, with ideal LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dL and HDL above 60 mg/dL. Because high cholesterol often does not show clear symptoms, many people are unaware of this condition. Therefore, recognizing the signs of high cholesterol is an important first step in preventing further complications.

With lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and routine health check-ups, you can control your cholesterol levels. Don’t wait until it’s too late; recognize the symptoms and take action now!

9. FAQ

1. What are the main causes of high cholesterol?

High cholesterol is generally caused by an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, smoking habits, and genetic factors.

2. How can I know my cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol testing can be done through a blood test at a laboratory or health clinic. It is recommended to have routine checks every 5 years after the age of 20.

3. What foods can help lower cholesterol?

Some healthy foods that can lower cholesterol include fatty fish (salmon, tuna), nuts, green vegetables, avocados, and high-fiber foods like oatmeal and brown rice.

4. Can high cholesterol be cured?

High cholesterol can be managed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as reducing saturated fat intake, exercising regularly, and if necessary, taking medications prescribed by a doctor.

5. What are the dangers if high cholesterol is not addressed?

If left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and other vascular disorders.

(kpl/rmt)