Cholesterol blocking an artery
Although cholesterol is essential for keeping the body functioning, too much can silently turn against you. So what are the warning signs that your levels are too high? And, most importantly, how can you protect your heart?
Cholesterol is a fat that plays a fundamental role in the production of hormones and in maintaining cell resistance. But when there is too much circulating in the blood, it can become a major threat to cardiovascular health.
Often, high cholesterol does not cause any obvious symptoms—but there are subtle clues that should not be ignored.
Excess cholesterol can manifest itself in unexpected ways. These are six of the most common alarm signals:
- Chest pain or pressure or on the calves of the legs may indicate accumulation of plaque in the arteries.
- Dizziness or frequent feeling of lightheadedness may be caused by poor circulation associated with cholesterol deposits.
- To feel lack of ar, even during light activities, may indicate a cholesterol-related heart problem.
- Balance problems or unsteady gait may result from restricted blood flow.
- Xanthomasthe small yellowish nodules that appear on the eyelids, are visible signs of cholesterol accumulation.
- Erectile dysfunction in men it can also be related to poor blood circulation due to high cholesterol.
Remember that these symptoms are not exclusive to high cholesterol. If you notice any of them, the best thing is talk to your doctor to undergo appropriate examinations and receive treatment.
Xanthomas are one of the symptoms of high cholesterol
Risk factors and how to prevent them
Cholesterol circulates in the bloodstream under two main ways: LDL, the so-called “bad” cholesterol, which can clog arteriesand HDL, the “good” cholesterol, which helps eliminate excess cholesterol.
When LDL levels rise too high, fatty plaques inside the arteries, which narrows them and makes them less flexible, explains . This condition, known as atherosclerosiscan lead to serious complications such as a stroke or heart attack.
Certain habits and health conditions can increase cholesterol levels, including:
- Being overweight or obese
- Unbalanced diet
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking
- High blood pressure Diabetes
To prevent or reduce high cholesterol, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Eat lots of fruitvegetables and whole grains, and lean fonts of protein, such as poultry and fish. Use healthy oils like olive oil. Stay physically active regularly, stop smokingand limit alcohol consumption.
If your cholesterol remains high despite lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend medication, such as statinsto help reduce it.
Watch your cholesterol It’s one of the best things you can do for your health. By recognizing the warning signs early and maintaining a healthy routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.
Prevention is your best defense, so book consultations and analyzes regular blood tests to detect any problems before they start. It’s the simplest path to a long and healthy life.
