We know high cholesterol is bad, but how do you know when you have it? Here are some high cholesterol warning signs to look out for.
One of the biggest problems in realizing that you have high cholesterol is the fact that it has no symptoms. In other words, the only sure way to know if your levels are high is through a lipid profile.
It’s important that you know your cholesterol levels because high cholesterol can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and more. To help you out, the following article explores the different types of cholesterol and severe symptoms of cholesterol.
Cholesterol Explained
A fat-like, waxy substance, cholesterol is essential for the formation of certain hormones, cell membranes, and vitamin D. Because it’s fat-soluble, it needs lipoproteins (e.g.: LDL and HDL) to travel through the bloodstream.
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol because it causes buildup in your blood vessels, leading to various problems. To illustrate, as buildup forms in your arteries and veins, you’ll experience reduced circulation throughout your body, heart, and brain.
In contrast, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the “good” type because it helps absorb LDL cholesterol. As a result, HDL can help remove excess LDL and lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, blood clots, and stroke.
Finally, there are different types of lipids that your body uses to store energy called triglycerides. Your body converts extra food into triglycerides and stores them in your fat cells, which increases your risk of heart disease if the levels become too high.
High Cholesterol Warning Signs
While there are typically no symptoms associated with high cholesterol, there is an exception: emergencies. These emergencies can result in a heart attack or stroke, so be aware of the symptoms.
For instance, you may experience nausea, numbness, slurred speech, extreme fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath, hypertension, and cold extremities. If you experience these symptoms, you may need to call your doctor or 911 if the symptoms are severe.
According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), men ages 45 to 65 should get blood work done every one to two years. The recommendation also applies to women ages 55 to 64. They also recommend annual cholesterol screenings for anyone over the age of 65.
The Outlook
When it comes to cholesterol warning signs, it’s better that you don’t experience any symptoms. Instead, you should make it a goal to prevent or manage your levels right now.
You can do this through healthy dieting and exercising and avoiding harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco. In addition, you can give your heart health an extra boost by taking supplements like L-arginine Plus.
It contains ingredients that can effectively promote circulation, cholesterol health, energy levels, and more. Try L-arginine Plus along with a healthy lifestyle to give your health the support it needs right now.