High cholesterol can be very well termed as the “silent killer.” It catches on to this name because it rarely shows obvious symptoms until it leads to severe health complications. But how do we detect it before it’s too late? By tuning into our bodies and understanding the hidden clues, we can take charge of our health. Here is everything you need to know about this ‘silent killer,’ right from what cholesterol is, and why it can become a problem, to the silent signs that might signal an issue.
What is cholesterol and why does it matter?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance naturally produced by the liver. It’s vital for building cells, producing hormones, and digesting foods. But not all cholesterol is created equal. There are two main types:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Known as “bad cholesterol,” high levels can clog arteries.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Known as “good cholesterol,” it helps remove LDL from your bloodstream.
The problem begins when there’s too much LDL in the blood. This can stick to the walls of our arteries, leading to blockages that increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
“High cholesterol, or dyslipidemia, often shows no symptoms but poses a significant health risk due to modern lifestyles marked by poor habits like smoking, alcohol consumption, and sedentary behavior. Without early detection, it can lead to severe conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and fatty liver disease, which may progress to liver failure. For Indians, early screening is crucial, as heart problems occur earlier and more frequently compared to Europeans. Lifestyle modifications and regular monitoring of LDL cholesterol levels, particularly for those with risk factors, are key to preventing these health issues.”
Dr. Rakesh Sood, MBBS, MD, Fortis Hospital
Why do some people have high cholesterol?
High cholesterol levels can result from multiple factors:
- Diet: Foods high in saturated fats (like fried items and processed snacks) can raise LDL cholesterol.
- Lack of exercise: Sitting for too long can actually be dangerous. Physical inactivity can reduce HDL (good cholesterol) levels.
- Genetics: Some people inherit a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, making them prone to high cholesterol regardless of lifestyle.
- Other factors: Obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain conditions like diabetes or hypothyroidism also contribute.
“High cholesterol often goes unnoticed until it causes significant damage, making regular screenings and blood tests crucial for early detection. Subtle signs like Xanthelasma (fatty deposits around the eyelids), Corneal Arcus (gray or yellow rings around the cornea), Tendon Xanthomas (cholesterol deposits on tendons), fatigue, breathlessness, and early atherosclerosis symptoms, including chest or leg pain, should not be ignored. Left untreated, it can also contribute to issues like erectile dysfunction, stroke-like symptoms, and high blood pressure.”
Dr. Jolly Joan Jesse Benjamin, MBBS, MD (Medicine), from Healing Ray Clinic
As per an overview published in the US National Library of Medicine, Around 0.2% to 0.5% of people worldwide are believed to have familial hypercholesterolemia. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition causing very high cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease early in life.
What can high cholesterol lead to?
Uncontrolled cholesterol can trigger a range of health issues:
- Atherosclerosis: A buildup of plaque in the arteries, narrowing blood flow.
- Heart disease: High cholesterol is a major cause of heart attacks and coronary artery disease.
- Stroke: Blocked or reduced blood flow to the brain can lead to strokes.
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Poor circulation to limbs due to narrowed arteries.
The danger lies in its stealth. By the time a complication arises, the damage might already be severe.
Frequent tingling in hands and feet
Have you ever felt a pins-and-needles sensation in your extremities? Poor blood flow caused by narrowed arteries may lead to this tingling. A study published in the Neural Regeneration Research explained that high cholesterol harms the peripheral nervous system, causing issues like nerve damage, vision and hearing loss, motor nerve problems, and sympathetic nervous system dysfunction, with a focus on the underlying causes. While this could also indicate nerve issues, it’s worth discussing with your doctor if it happens often.
Yellowish deposits around the eyes (Xanthelasma)
Fatty deposits forming small, yellowish bumps around your eyelids are a classic sign of high cholesterol. These bumps may not hurt, but they signal an excess of lipids in your blood, as per the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They’re often more noticeable in people with familial high cholesterol.
Chest pain or discomfort
Though not always dramatic, slight chest discomfort can be an early sign of restricted blood flow to the heart. This occurs when cholesterol deposits cause blockages in coronary arteries. Don’t ignore a dull ache, tightness, or heaviness in the chest.
Trouble remembering things
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating may be linked to poor blood flow due to clogged arteries. Cholesterol deposits can restrict blood flow to the brain, impairing cognitive function over time.
High blood pressure
Cholesterol and blood pressure are closely connected. Plaque buildup makes arteries stiff and narrow, forcing the heart to pump harder to circulate blood. This can silently raise your blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Cold or numb feet
It could indicate poor circulation if your feet often feel cold, even in warm temperatures. High cholesterol reduces blood flow to the extremities, which may also cause numbness or pain in your legs and feet.
Ear wax changes
Excess cholesterol may lead to a buildup of thicker ear wax in some cases. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2011, explained that participants with the highest dietary cholesterol levels were 33% more likely to experience severe hearing loss.
Slow wound healing
High cholesterol can restrict blood flow, making cuts or sores, especially on the feet, take longer to heal.
Sudden, severe headaches
While headaches are common, severe and sudden ones could point to a stroke caused by high cholesterol. This happens when a blocked artery interrupts blood flow to your brain.
Dark lines under nails
Brown or red streaks under your nails could indicate small blood vessel damage, which might be linked to cholesterol buildup. Known as splinter haemorrhages, these lines warrant medical attention if they appear without injury.
How to take care of high cholesterol
As per Harvard Health, For every 10% drop in your cholesterol level, your heart attack risk falls by 20% to 30%.
Preventing or managing high cholesterol is easier than it seems. Here’s how to keep your levels in check:
Taking care of high cholesterol starts with adopting a heart-healthy diet. This means filling your plate with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Swap unhealthy saturated fats for good fats found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil. At the same time, try to cut back on red meat, fried foods, and processed snacks that can raise bad cholesterol levels.
Staying active is equally important. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Activities like brisk walking or swimming are great choices. Strength training and aerobic exercises can also help improve your cholesterol profile and boost overall heart health.
Cholesterol can lead to heart blockage: Doctor shares early prevention tips
Quitting smoking is a vital step toward managing cholesterol. Smoking reduces HDL (good cholesterol) levels and damages blood vessels, making it easier for plaque to build up and block arteries. Similarly, limiting alcohol consumption is beneficial. Drinking in moderation—or avoiding it altogether—helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduces strain on your heart.
Monitoring your cholesterol levels regularly is crucial, especially if you have a family history of high cholesterol. Routine screenings can help detect problems early and allow you to make necessary changes. For some, lifestyle adjustments alone may not be enough. In such cases, doctors may prescribe medications like statins to effectively manage cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of complications.
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