Tall cholesterol can be called a “silent killer”. It got its name because it rarely shows obvious symptoms until it causes serious health complications. But how to detect it before it’s too late? By tuning in to our body and understanding its hidden cues, we can take charge of our health. Here’s everything you need to know about this “silent killer,” from what cholesterol is and why it can be a problem to silent signs that may signal a problem.
What is cholesterol and why is it important?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is naturally produced in the liver. It is vital for building cells, producing hormones and digesting food. But not all cholesterol is the same. 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 the blood.
The problem starts when there is too much LDL in the blood. It can stick to the walls of our arteries, causing blockages that increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
“High cholesterol, or dyslipidemia, often has no symptoms but is a significant health risk due to modern lifestyles characterized by unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle. Without timely detection, it can lead to serious diseases such as heart attacks, strokes and fatty liver disease, which can progress to liver failure in Europeans. Lifestyle changes and regular monitoring of LDL cholesterol levels, especially for those with risk factors, are key to preventing these health problems.”
Dr. Rakesh Sood, MBBS, MD, Fortis Hospital
Why do some people have high cholesterol?
High cholesterol can be the result of several factors:
- Diet: Foods high in saturated fat (such as fried foods and processed snacks) can raise LDL cholesterol.
- Lack of exercise: Sitting for too long can be dangerous. Lack of physical activity can lower HDL (good cholesterol) levels.
- Genetics: Some people inherit a condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, which predisposes them to high cholesterol levels regardless of lifestyle.
- Other factors: obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption and certain diseases such as diabetes or hypothyroidism also contribute.
“High cholesterol often goes undetected until it causes significant damage, which makes regular screenings and blood tests crucial for early detection. Subtle signs such as xanthelasma (fatty deposits around the eyelids), corneal arcus (gray or yellow rings around the cornea), tendon xanthomas (cholesterol deposits on the tendons), fatigue, shortness of breath and early symptoms of atherosclerosis, including the chest or legs Pain should not be ignored, it can also contribute to problems such as erectile dysfunction dysfunction, stroke-like symptoms, and high blood pressure.
Dr. Jolly Joan Jessie Benjamin, MBBS, MD (Medicine), of Healing Ray Clinic
According to a review published in the US National Library of Medicine, it is estimated that 0.2% to 0.5% of people worldwide have familial hypercholesterolemia. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes very high cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease at an early age.
What can high cholesterol cause?
Uncontrolled cholesterol levels can cause a number of health problems:
- Atherosclerosis: Accumulation of plaque in arteries, narrowing of 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 in the extremities due to narrowing of the arteries.
The danger lies in its stealth. By the time a complication occurs, the damage may already be severe.
Frequent tingling in hands and feet
Have you ever felt tingling in your limbs? Poor blood flow caused by narrowing of the arteries can cause this tingling. A study published in A study of neural regeneration explained that high cholesterol damages the peripheral nervous system, causing problems such as nerve damage, vision and hearing loss, motor nerve problems, and sympathetic nervous system dysfunction, with an emphasis on the underlying causes. Although this can also indicate nerve problems, you should consult your doctor if this happens frequently.
Yellowish deposits around the eyes (xanthelasma)
Fatty deposits that form small yellowish bumps around the eyelids are a classic sign of high cholesterol. These bumps may not hurt, but they signal excess lipids in the blood, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They are often more prominent in people with a family history of high cholesterol.
Chest pain or discomfort
Mild chest discomfort, although not always dramatic, can be an early sign of restricted blood flow to the heart. It occurs when cholesterol deposits cause blockages in the coronary arteries. Don’t ignore a dull ache, tightness, or heaviness in your chest.
Trouble remembering things
Brain fog or difficulty concentrating may be related to poor blood flow due to clogged arteries. Cholesterol deposits can restrict blood flow to the brain, which impairs cognitive function over time.
High blood pressure
Cholesterol and blood pressure are closely related. A build-up of plaque makes the arteries stiff and narrow, forcing the heart to pump blood harder for circulation. This can subtly raise blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Cold or numb feet
It could be a sign of poor circulation if your feet are often cold, even in high temperatures. High cholesterol reduces blood flow to the extremities, which can also cause numbness or pain in the legs and feet.
Changes in earwax
Excess cholesterol can in some cases lead to the accumulation of thicker earwax. A study published in Journal of nutrition in 2011 explained that participants with the highest dietary cholesterol levels were 33% more likely to develop severe hearing loss.
Slow healing of wounds
High cholesterol can restrict blood flow, making cuts or ulcers, especially on the feet, take longer to heal.
Sudden severe headaches
Although headaches are common, severe and sudden headaches may indicate a stroke caused by high cholesterol. It occurs when a blocked artery cuts off blood flow to the brain.
Dark lines under the nails
Brown or red streaks under the nails may indicate damage to small blood vessels, which may be related to cholesterol build-up. These lines, known as splinter hemorrhages, require medical attention if they appear without damage.
How to take care of high cholesterol
According to Harvard HealthFor every 10% drop in cholesterol, the risk of heart attack drops by 20-30%.
Preventing or controlling high cholesterol is easier than it seems. Here’s how to monitor your levels:
Treating high cholesterol starts with eating a heart-healthy diet. That means filling your plate with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Replace unhealthy saturated fats with healthy fats found in nuts, seeds and olive oil. At the same time, try to cut back on red meat, fried foods, and processed snacks, which can raise bad cholesterol.
It is equally important to stay active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Activities such as brisk walking or swimming are excellent choices. Strength training and aerobic exercise can also help improve your cholesterol profile and improve your overall heart health.
Cholesterol can lead to heart block: Doctor shares tips for early prevention
Quitting smoking is a vital step in controlling your cholesterol. Smoking lowers 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 alcohol in moderation or avoiding it altogether helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduces stress on the heart.
Regular cholesterol monitoring is important, especially if you have a family history of high cholesterol. Regular reviews can help identify problems early and make the necessary changes. For some, lifestyle adjustments alone may not be enough. In such cases, doctors may prescribe medications such as statins to effectively control cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of complications.
