Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood, and although some types of it are beneficial to the body, high levels can lead to many health problems and pose a risk to cardiovascular health. Excessive consumption of processed and fatty foods, in addition to lack of physical activity, can contribute to increasing the level of harmful cholesterol. Many people often ignore the signs that indicate high levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood. According to the "Dalili Medical" website, we will review some hidden symptoms that may indicate high levels of harmful cholesterol.

Can treating high cholesterol permanently contribute to preventing chest pain or angina?

 

Yes, treating high cholesterol can contribute to preventing angina, which reduces the likelihood of chest pain, by protecting the health of the arteries that feed the heart.

Can treating high cholesterol permanently improve the general health condition?

 

Yes, treating high cholesterol permanently can contribute to improving the general health condition of the individual, by maintaining the health of the blood vessels that feed all the organs of the body, ensuring that an adequate amount of blood reaches these organs.

Can high cholesterol be treated permanently without medication?

 

Leaving high cholesterol untreated can be a big risk, as high levels of harmful cholesterol require regular medication to avoid serious complications.

- Can high cholesterol be treated permanently with herbs?

 

This step should not be taken without consulting a doctor, as using herbs may negatively affect the general health condition. Therefore, it is necessary to first conduct the necessary tests.

- Can high cholesterol be treated permanently with medication?

 

Yes, high cholesterol can be treated permanently with medication, but it is necessary to follow up periodically with your doctor to adjust the appropriate doses.

- Can treating high cholesterol help protect against strokes?

 

Yes, treating high cholesterol helps reduce the risk of clots forming in the blood vessels that feed the brain, which helps protect against strokes.

Can high cholesterol be treated permanently to avoid heart attacks?

 

Yes, treating high cholesterol reduces the risk of clots forming in the blood vessels that feed the heart, which helps avoid heart attacks.

- Can high cholesterol be treated permanently by changing the diet alone?

 

Some patients can follow a healthy diet to help lower their LDL cholesterol levels, and this may be effective for people with levels close to normal. However, those with very high cholesterol levels will need to take cholesterol-lowering medications in addition to adhering to a healthy diet, with the need to follow up with a specialist doctor in both cases.

Can high cholesterol be treated permanently and erectile dysfunction avoided?

 

Yes, by improving the health of the blood vessels that feed the penis by treating high LDL cholesterol, the patient can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.

Can high cholesterol be treated permanently, or is it impossible?

 

Not impossible! Adhering to treating high cholesterol will contribute to improving its levels in the blood, which will positively reflect on the patient's general health.

- Can high cholesterol be treated permanently without the problem returning?

 

Not necessarily, the patient may need to continue taking LDL cholesterol-lowering medications permanently.

- What is the best treatment for cholesterol and triglycerides?

 

There are many medications to treat cholesterol and triglycerides, so consulting a specialist will help you determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition. 

When should you take cholesterol treatment?

 

Cholesterol treatment should be taken after conducting the necessary tests to determine the levels of harmful and beneficial cholesterol and triglycerides, and then consulting a specialist to prescribe the appropriate treatment.

- Does high cholesterol cause dizziness, headaches and shortness of breath?

 

There is no direct relationship between high levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood and dizziness, headaches or shortness of breath.

- Should cholesterol treatment be taken for life?

 

The patient may continue to use cholesterol treatment continuously to avoid complications of high harmful cholesterol.

What is cholesterol?

 

Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver, and is an essential element in the formation of the body's cell membranes, in addition to its role in the production of vitamin D and some hormones. Cholesterol is characterized by its insolubility in water, which prevents it from moving in the blood except in the presence of lipoproteins.

Lipoproteins are divided into two types:

1. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): known as harmful cholesterol.

2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Known as good cholesterol

When LDL cholesterol levels are high, they can build up on the walls of blood vessels, which over time can obstruct blood flow and cause hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

**What is high cholesterol?**

 

High levels of cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the blood are considered a health risk. While low HDL cholesterol is a health risk, high HDL cholesterol is considered a positive thing. A blood cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL for people over the age of 20 is considered “desirable.” Levels between 200-239 mg/dL are considered “borderline high,” and anything above 240 mg/dL is considered “high.” For LDL cholesterol, a level below 130 mg/dL is considered “desirable,” while a level between 130-159 mg/dL is considered “borderline high.” The level of cholesterol in the blood is consideredHDL less than 35 mg/dL is "low". If your total cholesterol is 200 mg/dL or your LDL is higher than 130 mg/dL or your HDL is lower than 35 mg/dL, your risk of atherosclerosis is high. The higher the HDL level, the lower the risk. The average HDL cholesterol level is 55 mg/dL in women and 45 mg/dL in men.

What diseases cause high cholesterol?

 

Some diseases that raise your cholesterol level are: - Hypothyroidism, liver disease, non-bacterial inflammatory kidney disease, diabetes, obesity and some medications.

What is the importance of cholesterol?

 

Cardiovascular diseases are common problems that lead to death and permanent disability in Turkey and other countries. In Turkey, about 6 million people have high blood cholesterol (200-239 mg/dL), while the number of people with very high cholesterol (240 mg/dL) reaches 2 million. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in developed countries, and these deaths can be prevented or delayed by treating problems such as high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity. High blood cholesterol and bad cholesterol are a risk to the patient's health, and high cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In addition, low levels of good cholesterol also pose a risk. Patients who face these risks are at higher risk of diseases such as heart attack, stroke, blockage of blood vessels, and kidney failure.

Types of cholesterol in the body:

The types of cholesterol in the body are divided into several categories, which are:

1- Bad cholesterol (LDL): Bad cholesterol is responsible for transporting fats to different parts of the body. However, when the levels of these fats rise, they can accumulate inside the walls of the blood vessels, leading to symptoms of high LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. This may cause a person to develop diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

As for its rates:

- The normal rate of LDL cholesterol ranges between 2.6 mmol/L (100 mg/dL).

- The near-normal or slightly high rate ranges between 2.6 - 3.3 mmol/L (10 - 129 mg/dL).

- The rate at the upper limit of the normal level ranges between 3.4 - 4.1 mmol/L (130-159 mg/dL).

- In case of high bad cholesterol, its rate ranges between 4.14 - 4.9 mmol/L (160-)

2- The second type is good cholesterol, also known as HDL: Good cholesterol performs an important function of carrying excess fats that exceed the body's needs or the normal rate in the blood, and then transports them to the liver.

There, these fats are broken down and disposed of in a healthy way, preventing their accumulation inside the body and blood vessels.

As for its rates:

- The rate of good cholesterol is considered low and is considered a risk factor if it is less than 1 mmol/L, or equivalent to 40 mg/dL.

- In contrast, the normal rate of good cholesterol that helps reduce the risk of heart disease is 1.6 mmol/L, or equivalent to 60 mg/dL or more.

3- The third type is triglycerides, also known as Triglyceride: Triglycerides are derived from unhealthy food sources or rich in saturated fats, where they are stored in fat cells for use as energy between meals. However, increasing their levels in the blood may lead to symptoms of high cholesterol and triglycerides, which increases the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, in addition to increasing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

As for triglyceride levels:

- The triglyceride level is considered normal if it is less than 1.7 mmol/L, or 150 mg/dL.

- The rate is considered at the upper limit of the normal level between 1.7 and 2.25 mmol/L, or 150 to 199 mg/dL.

- The triglyceride level is considered high if it ranges between 2.26 and 5.64 mmol/L, or 200 to 499 mg/dL.

- The percentage is considered significantly high if it reaches 5.65 mmol/L, or 500 mg/dL or more.

When should you have a cholesterol test?

 

We advise you, dear reader, to have a cholesterol test when you reach the age of twenty, and to repeat the test every 4 to 6 years to ensure your health and avoid health complications associated with high cholesterol levels.

If you have a family history of high cholesterol, or if you suffer from any of the following risk factors, it is preferable to have a cholesterol test more frequently:

- Smoking.

- Heart disease.

- High blood pressure.

- Diabetes.

- Being overweight.

Have a cholesterol test more regularly with age, as follows:

- For men between 45 and 65 years: every year or two.

- For women between 55 and 65 years: every year or two.

- For men and women over 65 years of age: The test should be done annually.

Why does pain occur in these areas?

 

Pain in these areas occurs as a result of high levels of cholesterol in the blood, which leads to the accumulation of plaques in the blood vessels. This accumulation causes the vessels to narrow and reduces blood flow to them, resulting in pain in the leg muscles.

Reduced blood flow causes pain even with minimal effort, while this pain disappears when the person is in a state of relaxation.

What does pain from cholesterol look like?

 

Pain from high cholesterol levels affects the daily life of the individual,Where a person may feel pain in the leg, thighs and buttocks. The pain may occur even when walking or doing simple physical activities. Pain, cramps and numbness appear in the legs, in addition to a feeling of fatigue frequently. During physical activities, the muscles need more blood, but the narrowing of the blood vessels affects this flow, causing pain. These pains usually disappear during rest, but return when physical activity is resumed.

**Signs of high cholesterol in laboratory tests**

In the early stages of high cholesterol, the patient does not show any clear symptoms, but abnormal results may be observed in laboratory tests, indicating the need to start drug treatment. The tests that are performed include the following:

- **Total cholesterol test**: The value is normal if it is less than 200 mg / deciliter, and if it exceeds 200 mg / deciliter, it is considered high.

- **Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol test**: The value is normal if it is less than 130 mg/dL, and if it is higher than 130 mg/dL, it is considered high.

- **High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol test**: The value is normal if it is higher than 40 mg/dL, and if it is lower than that, it is considered abnormal.

**Signs of high bad cholesterol in the blood**

High cholesterol usually does not cause any clear symptoms, which makes it difficult to detect until plaque forms in the arteries, which indicates an advanced and dangerous stage of the disease.

However, there are some signs that may indicate high bad cholesterol in the blood, including:

- **Severe chest pain**: These pains may indicate the possibility of angina pectoris due to high cholesterol levels, and they are a worrisome sign.

- **Nausea**: High cholesterol can lead to some stomach and intestinal disorders, especially after eating fatty foods.

- **Extreme fatigue**: A person may feel unable to perform daily activities normally, as high cholesterol affects the production of important hormones from the thyroid gland.

- **Shortness of breath**: It may occur as a result of blood flow problems due to high cholesterol levels.

- Numbness in the hands and feet** High levels of harmful cholesterol in the blood affect the nerves by reducing blood flow from the heart to the extremities, leading to a constant feeling of tingling and numbness in the hands and feet.

- High blood pressure** Cholesterol accumulation in the arteries contributes to increased resistance of blood vessels to blood flow to various parts of the body, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and strokes.

- Vision disturbance** Cholesterol can accumulate in the blood vessels that supply the eye with blood, leading to their blockage, thus causing vision disturbance.

**Symptoms of coronary artery disease**

Coronary artery disease is a heart disease caused by the accumulation of fats in the blood vessels, leading to their narrowing. Symptoms may vary between men and women, but the most common symptoms include:

- Angina and chest pain.

- Feeling nauseous.

- Extreme fatigue.

- Shortness of breath.

- Pain in the neck, jaw, upper abdomen, or back.

**Symptoms of a stroke**

A stroke occurs as a result of a blockage in one of the arteries that feeds the brain, whether the blockage is partial or complete, leading to symptoms including:

- Sudden loss of balance.

- Sudden dizziness.

- Drooping eyelid and mouth on one side only.

- Confusion.

- Difficulty speaking clearly.

- Numbness in the face, arm, or leg.

- Blurred or double vision.

- Sudden, severe headache.

**Symptoms of a heart attack**

The accumulation of fats and plaques in the arteries leads to their narrowing, and over time, blood clots form around these plaques, preventing sufficient amounts of oxygen from reaching the heart. This lack of oxygen causes damage and death of heart cells, leading to a heart attack. The patient shows a set of symptoms that may indicate high cholesterol levels, including:

- Feeling pain or pressure in the chest or arms.

- Difficulty breathing.

- Feeling anxious.

- Dizziness.

- Nausea, indigestion, or heartburn.

- Extreme fatigue.

**Symptoms of peripheral artery disease**

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) occurs as a result of the accumulation of plaques in the walls of the arteries, which leads to a reduction in blood flow to various organs such as the kidneys, arms, stomach, legs, and feet. Early symptoms that may indicate high cholesterol levels include:

- Cramps in the extremities.

- Pain in the extremities.

- Feeling generally tired.

- Pain in the legs during activity or exercise, known as intermittent claudication.

- Feeling uncomfortable in the legs and feet.

These symptoms become more severe as the disease progresses.