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Cholesterol is a sticky, fat-like material that our bodies create to form cells, make hormones, assist in digestion, and carry out other jobs. Typically, the liver produces cholesterol, but you can also find it in some foods that come from animals. Cholesterol moves through the bloodstream with the help of lipoproteins, dividing it into two types: LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, while HDL means high-density lipoprotein. LDL is often called 'bad' cholesterol because it can block arteries, create plaque, and eventually cause heart diseases. In contrast, HDL is labeled as 'good' cholesterol because it helps remove extra cholesterol from the blood vessels and sends it to the liver for elimination. The American Heart Association notes that cholesterol isn't necessarily "bad" unless there's too much of it. When there's too much LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, it can lead to serious issues like heart attacks, strokes, and other heart-related problems. This condition can develop quickly without showing major signs. Although high cholesterol often doesn't have noticeable symptoms, there can be indirect warning signs. Below are some indicators of high LDL cholesterol that you should be aware of.
Chest Discomfort or Angina: Chest discomfort, known as angina, occurs when high LDL cholesterol causes plaque to build up in the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying blood to the heart. This narrowing restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood, especially during exercise, stress, or even while resting in later stages. This may cause sensations of pressure, squeezing, fullness, or burning in the chest, which might also spread to the arms, neck, jaw, or back. This discomfort can last for a few minutes and usually goes away with rest or medication. For women and people with diabetes, the symptoms may be less obvious, sometimes causing nausea, tiredness, or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
Yellowish Bumps on Skin: Yellowish bumps or patches, known as xanthomas, can form under the skin due to high levels of LDL cholesterol accumulating in the tissues. These bumps often appear on the eyelids (called xanthelasmas), as well as on tendons like the Achilles, knuckles, elbows, knees, or even buttocks in severe situations. Their presence makes them one of the few visible signs of high cholesterol, which can lead to skin or lipid tests. It’s crucial to tackle the underlying issue through changes in diet, focusing on including soluble fiber from sources like oats, fruits, and legumes.
Shortness of Breath: Shortness of breath, also called dyspnea, happens when high levels of LDL cholesterol narrow the arteries. This makes the heart work harder, which affects how well oxygen reaches body tissues. You might notice this issue when doing things like climbing stairs, walking quickly, or even lying down, especially if excess fluid builds up in your lungs because your heart is under stress. Additionally, you could experience feelings like wheezing or breathing rapidly that do not get better with resting.
Leg Pain or Cramping: Leg pain or cramping, referred to as intermittent claudication, occurs when LDL cholesterol forms plaque in the arteries of the legs, particularly in the calves, thighs, or buttocks. This leads to a lack of proper blood flow to the muscles while walking, which only eases when you stop moving. It may feel like aching, tightness, or heaviness, making it difficult to walk certain distances. This condition, known as peripheral artery disease (PAD), is a sign of widespread atherosclerosis and significantly raises the chances of heart attacks.
Persistent Fatigue: Ongoing tiredness due to high LDL arises from weak blood circulation that fails to deliver nutrients and oxygen to muscles and organs. This results in fatigue that is not linked to how much sleep you get or how active you are. Unlike sudden tiredness, this feeling sticks around every day, hindering your desire to exercise or complete everyday activities, and often becomes worse after menopause in women because of reduced estrogen levels.
Memory Fog or Headaches: Experiencing memory fog or headaches might indicate that the carotid arteries are becoming narrower due to LDL plaque buildup. This can affect blood flow to the brain and lead to problems with concentration, difficulty finding the right words, dizziness, or sharp pain in the temples. Unlike headaches caused by stress, these tend to persist and may come with temporary loss of vision or confusion, which could signal mini-strokes (TIAs). Over time, brain cells may become deprived of necessary nutrients, increasing the risk of strokes.
