What Are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol is a common disease but a serious health issue. Many people do not know that they have this because it often shows no symptoms. In this blog, we will discuss what high cholesterol is, its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, prevention, and even homeopathy medicine for cholesterol.
What is High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol is a condition where there is too much cholesterol in the blood, increasing the risk of heart problems. A waxy, fat-like substance in your blood becomes too high. While cholesterol is essential for building cells and producing hormones, excess amounts can accumulate in the arteries. This buildup can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues.
There Are Two Main Types of Cholesterol
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein): Often called “bad” cholesterol. When LDL levels are high, cholesterol can accumulate in the artery walls, causing obstruction.
- Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are linked to a lower risk of heart disease. It helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream by carrying it to the liver for removal, thus protecting your heart and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Symptoms of High Cholesterol
Many people don’t realize they have high cholesterol until it causes heart disease or stroke. It builds up in arteries, leading to chest pain, high BP, or serious complications — these are common symptoms of cholesterol buildup.
- Chest
When cholesterol is formed in coronary arteries, it reduces blood flow to the heart, causing chest pain, especially during physical activity.
- shortness of breath
Blood flow in the lungs and heart may decrease, which can make it difficult to breathe during simple activities such as climbing or walking stairs.
- Fatty deposits on the skin (xanthomas)
Yellow, soft bumps under the skin—especially around the eyes, elbows, knees, or heels—may be a sign of high cholesterol. These fatty deposits are known as xanthomas and can indicate elevated cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Numbness or weakness
A sudden decrease in blood flow in parts of the body can cause numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the face or body, a sign of a possible stroke.
- Leg pain
Pain can cause pain, cramps, or fatigue during interruption in the arteries of the foot, which can improve with comfort.
Causes of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol may be caused by a combination of lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and genetics. Understanding these reasons can help you take preventive steps and maintain heart health.
- Unhealthy diet
Eating high-fat foods, in saturated fats (such in red meat, butter, and cheese) and trans fats (found in many processed and fried foods) increases LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
- Axia
A sedentary lifestyle reduces weight gain and HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
- Obesity or overweight
Taking extra weight, especially around the waist, is firmly connected to high cholesterol.
It can also give rise to conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which increase the risks related to cholesterol.
- Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels, making it easier to clot and form.
It also reduces HDL cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease.
- Additional alcohol consumption
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your total cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Age and gender
As people age, cholesterol levels increase.
In women, cholesterol is generally lower than in men before menopause, but may increase the level later.
- Genetic (family hypercholesterolemia)
Some people inherit a condition called family hypercholesterolemia, where the body cannot remove LDL efficiently, leading to high cholesterol levels from an early age.
- Underlying health status
Some medical conditions may contribute to high cholesterol, including:
- diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Liver
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Diagnosis of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is diagnosed through a simple blood test called a lipid profile or cholesterol test. This test measures the level of total cholesterol, LDL (poor) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides. While symptoms of cholesterol are not always visible, this test helps doctors assess your risk of heart disease. Regular screening is important, especially if you have risk factors such as family history, obesity, or diabetes. Initial diagnosis allows timely management and prevention of complications.
Prevention of Cholesterol
Prevention is the key to managing cholesterol levels and protecting your heart. Recognizing early symptoms of cholesterol can help you take timely action. Here are effective suggestions for the prevention of cholesterol:
Eat a heart-healthy diet: Choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil. Limit saturated fats and avoid trans fats.
Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.
Maintain a healthy weight: Losing even a few kilos can help lower cholesterol levels.
Avoid tobacco smoke: Smoking lowers good cholesterol (HDL) and damages blood vessels.
Limit alcohol: Drink in moderation, as excess alcohol can raise cholesterol and blood pressure.
Manage stress: Chronic stress may impact your heart health. Use relaxation techniques like yoga or deep breathing.
Get regular health check-ups: Monitor your cholesterol levels to take timely action if needed.
Homeopathy Medicine for Cholesterol
Homeopathy provides a natural and holistic approach to the management of cholesterol. Although this is not a replacement for medical treatment, it can be an auxiliary therapy. Here are some common homeopathic medicines for cholesterol:
Crataegus Oxyacantha – Supports heart health, helps reduce arterial blockage and improves blood circulation.
Baryta Muriatica – Effective in elderly patients with high cholesterol and hardened arteries.
Aurum Metallicum – Useful for high cholesterol with associated anxiety or depression.
Allium Sativum – Derived from garlic, helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and improves digestion.
Lycopodium – Helps in managing cholesterol along with digestive issues and bloating.
Chelidonium Majus – Useful when high cholesterol is linked with liver dysfunction.
Calcarea Carbonica – Suited for overweight individuals with high cholesterol and sluggish metabolism.
Disclaimer
This information is only for educational use and is not an alternative to medical advice. Consult a qualified homeopathy doctor before use. The results can be different. If symptoms deteriorate, see medical help.
Consult with Dr. Deepika
Dr. Deepika is highly experienced in treating the best homeopathy doctors in Noida, high cholesterol, and related heart health concerns. With years of clinical expertise, she provides an individual, original, causation-based homeopathic treatment that is safe, natural, and effective. His approach focuses on balanced cholesterol levels, improving overall well-being, and reducing the risk of future complications of some harmful side effects.