An increase in the level of cholesterol in the blood leads to the emergence of some signs and symptoms that constitute a health alarm that must be stopped.
It is true that a blood test is able to detect the level of cholesterol and how high it is, but there are also some signs that you should pay attention to, especially if you are one of the people who do not follow a healthy and balanced diet.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver that travels through the bloodstream and is necessary for the formation of cell membranes, vitamin D, and some hormones. Cholesterol travels through the body with lipoproteins, which are soluble proteins that transport fats throughout the body.
We get regarding 30% of our cholesterol through food, while the rest is produced by the liver.
There are two types of cholesterol:
* Good cholesterol: which prevents clogging of the arteries.
* Bad cholesterol: which distributes excess amounts of cholesterol to various organs, which contributes to its accumulation in the walls of blood vessels.
Also, a diet rich in cholesterol and saturated fats of animal origin, such as meat, especially processed ones such as sausages, hamburgers, full-fat dairy products, ready-made dishes and sweets, directly affects the levels of harmful cholesterol.
What are the signs that indicate high cholesterol?
1- chest pain
One of the first signs that indicate a high level of cholesterol in the blood, which is the result of the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries of the heart, which leads to poor oxygenation of the heart muscle. These can cause pain when doing any exertion or even while resting.
2- Abdominal pain
If the arteries in the lower extremities are clogged with excess cholesterol, the person suffers from abdominal pain, in addition to cramps that often occur without even doing any physical exertion.
3- Erectile dysfunction in men
Since excess cholesterol seeps into the arteries, it can prevent blood from reaching the genitals, which leads to weakness or sexual problems in men with excessive cholesterol.
4- nervous disorders
If excess cholesterol accumulates in the blood vessels in the head area, we may witness the emergence of neurological symptoms such as dizziness, headache, slurred speech, vision problems, but these symptoms are often temporary.
5- Shortness of breath
Excess cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In the case of hypercholesterolemia, a person may suffer from shortness of breath as a result of any exertion, and this is due to damage to the heart muscle.
6- biliary tumor
If your high triglycerides are caused by a genetic condition, you may see fatty deposits under the skin. These are called “cholesteatoma” or “xanthomas.”