Understanding Cholesterol: 5 Signs of High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is often misunderstood. While the body needs it to build cells and produce certain hormones, having too much of it, especially the "bad" LDL cholesterol, can spell trouble for your health. High cholesterol doesn’t usually cause noticeable symptoms, which is why it’s often called a “silent condition.” Left unchecked, it can lead to serious issues like heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Many people don’t realise they have high cholesterol until it’s too late, underlining why monitoring your cholesterol levels regularly is so important. Early detection can help you make the lifestyle changes or seek medical advice needed to manage it before it becomes dangerous.
Thankfully, checking your cholesterol doesn’t have to involve long waits at the GP surgery. With services like One Day Tests, you can now easily assess your cholesterol levels from the comfort of your home.
What Are the Five Signs of High Cholesterol?
Though high cholesterol doesn’t always present obvious symptoms, certain signs may indicate elevated cholesterol levels, which could be silently affecting your health. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s essential to take them seriously, as they may signal that your cholesterol is higher than it should be.
1. Chest Pain or Angina
When cholesterol builds up in your arteries, it can cause a condition known as angina, which leads to chest pain. This occurs when the coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood become narrowed or blocked, reducing the amount of oxygen reaching your heart.
2. Xanthomas
Xanthomas are yellowish patches or lumps that appear on the skin, often around the eyes, elbows, knees, or other joints. These are caused by cholesterol deposits under the skin and can be a visible sign of high cholesterol levels.
3. Numbness or Coldness in Extremities
If your cholesterol is high, blood flow to the limbs may be restricted, leading to numbness or a cold sensation in your hands and feet. This is due to narrowed arteries, which can make it harder for blood to circulate efficiently.
4. Shortness of Breath
High cholesterol can weaken heart function and reduce the efficiency of your cardiovascular system. As arteries narrow, it becomes harder for the heart to pump blood, leading to shortness of breath during physical activity or even at rest.
5. High Blood Pressure
Elevated cholesterol contributes to the narrowing of blood vessels, forcing the heart to work harder to pump blood through your body. This can lead to high blood pressure, a condition that often goes hand in hand with high cholesterol.
Other Warning Signs of High Cholesterol
When high cholesterol leads to health complications, the following warning signs may appear:
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Severe Chest Pain: Known as angina, this occurs when your coronary arteries become significantly narrowed by cholesterol, restricting blood flow to the heart.
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Vision Changes: Sudden blurry vision or loss of vision can indicate that cholesterol has built up in the blood vessels leading to your eyes, a condition known as retinal artery occlusion.
- Dizziness or Fainting: If cholesterol has caused a severe blockage in the arteries, it can lead to light-headedness, dizziness, or even fainting, which may indicate a lack of sufficient oxygen to the brain.
Since these symptoms often only appear once cholesterol-related damage has occurred, it's crucial to proactively monitor your cholesterol levels. Testing can help you avoid serious health risks by catching high cholesterol early.
How to Reduce Cholesterol Quickly
When it comes to reducing cholesterol, lifestyle changes are the most effective approach. While these changes take time to show lasting results, certain actions can help lower cholesterol levels more quickly, improving heart health in the short term.
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Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is one of the best ways to quickly lower cholesterol. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily—whether it's brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
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Increase Fibre Intake: Foods high in soluble fibre - such as oats, beans, lentils, fruits, and vegetables - help reduce LDL cholesterol.
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Consume Healthy Fats: Replace unhealthy fats like trans fats and saturated fats with healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts help lower LDL cholesterol and improve heart health.
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Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports your body's ability to remove toxins, including excess cholesterol.
- Consider Supplements: Certain supplements, like fish oil, plant sterols, or soluble fibre supplements, may help lower cholesterol levels quickly. However, it's important to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Our Cholesterol Blood Test
Check Your Cholesterol and Heart Health Today
High cholesterol can have a significant impact on your health, even without obvious symptoms. From chest pain and shortness of breath to more subtle signs like fatigue, recognising the warning signs is incredibly important.
Regularly testing your cholesterol levels is key to identifying risks early and preventing serious complications like heart disease or stroke. Whether you’re concerned about the warning signs or simply want peace of mind, we offer a convenient at-home, walk-in and home visit cholesterol blood test. It’s a quick, easy, and reliable way to stay on top of your heart health.
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