Are your “bad” (LDL) cholesterol levels too high? “The effects of high cholesterol accumulate over the years,” says cardiologist Luke Laffin, MD. “We have to be aggressive in trying to lower it. Over long periods of time, high cholesterol increases the risk of strokes, heart attacks and hardening of the arteries, which is called atherosclerosis. Those are the main things we’re concerned about.” Here are five signs your cholesterol is too high, according to doctors. Read on and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure signs you’ve already had COVID.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a dangerous condition in which plaque buildup in the arteries of the legs can cause pain. “People wouldn’t necessarily think that leg pain is related to heart disease,” says vascular surgeon Andy Lee, MD, Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. “But if the arteries in the legs are blocked, it’s likely that the coronary arteries are too. If left untreated, PAD can potentially increase a person’s risk of having a stroke or heart attack. It’s also one of the leading causes of limb amputation.
Dizziness can be a sign of high cholesterol. “Let’s say you have plaque or cholesterol buildup in your carotid arteries and not enough blood flow, or you have narrowing of certain heart valves, or you have arrhythmias, this can cause what some people would call dizziness, but it’s probably called more appropriately stun,” says Dr Laffin.
Chest pain can be a sign of serious illness and should never be ignored. “It’s important to focus on your cardiovascular health and if you’re experiencing any chest pain, it should be urgently investigated.” says Luke Pratsides, M.D.. “In particular, any chest pain that worsens with exertion can be a sign of a blocked coronary artery that could lead to a fatal heart attack. If you ever have persistent or worsening chest pain, it’s like someone sitting on your chest, or if there is radiation of pain to your left arm or jaw, this could be a sign of a heart attack and you should call [an ambulance].
High cholesterol can cause small yellow fatty deposits called xanthelasma around the eyes. “Most of the time, we see it on the upper eyelids and the inner part of the eyelids closest to the nose,” says ophthalmologist Nicole Bajic, MD. “We’re not exactly sure why it occurs in some people with high cholesterol and not others, but when you see it in someone with no known history of high cholesterol, it’s a good idea to get it checked out, as there’s about a 50% chances of having it.”
High cholesterol can lead to erectile dysfunction, doctors warn. “Older men who have poor cardiovascular health, diabetes or metabolic syndrome often experience erectile dysfunction, and the prevalence of these diseases is expected to increase.” says John B. Kostis, M.D., professor of medicine, director of the Cardiovascular Institute at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine and principal investigator of the study. “Our research indicates that statins not only improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack, but also improve erectile function in the men included in our analysis.”
Ferozan Mast
Ferozan Mast is a science, health, and wellness writer who is passionate about making information backed by science and research accessible to a general audience. Read more about Ferozán
