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
Most people do not know that they have high cholesterol until they develop serious health problems like heart disease or stroke.
However, over time, excess cholesterol can build up in the arteries, causing compressed or blocked blood vessels. This can cause warning signs and complications, such as:
- 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. This 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. Here are effective suggestions for the prevention of cholesterol:
- Saturated and a balanced diet with low trans fats, and rich in fiber.
- Exercising regularly (at least 30 minutes a day).
- Eating a fiber-rich diet can help lower bad cholesterol levels naturally.
- To avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Management of stress through relaxation techniques.
- Get regular cholesterol check-ups for initial detection and control.
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:
- Crategus oxicatha, the heart is known to support health and improve blood flow.
- Allium Sativum (Garlic) helps reduce LDL levels and is often used for high cholesterol.
- Lycopodium is Useful for people with fatty liver and high cholesterol.
- Barita Muratika is often prescribed for elderly people with high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
- Aurum Metallicum: For patients with heart issues and a high cholesterol history.
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.
When to See a Doctor for High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol often shows no symptoms, so it is important to see a doctor regularly for routine check-ups, especially if you have risk factors. If you should consult a doctor:
- You did not check your cholesterol level in the last 4-6 years.
- You are more than 40 or have conditions like diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure.
- You notice signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or leg pain while walking, which can indicate blocked arteries.
- You are worried about your diet, lifestyle, or weight, and want to stop heart issues.
- You are interested in natural remedies options, such as homeopathic medicine for cholesterol.
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.