Home : health : Early Signs Of High Cholesterol – What To Know And Risk Factors

Early Signs of High Cholesterol – What to Know and Risk Factors

Early Signs of High Cholesterol – What to Know and Risk Factors

Cholesterol is a fatty wax-like substance produced by the liver. It is categorized into Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), and Triglycerides. The body needs to maintain low LDL and high HDL levels to support overall health. Any imbalance in these levels can trigger high cholesterol, leading to chronic health complications like heart disease. While there are no direct symptoms, the complications mentioned below point toward high cholesterol in the body.

Early signs of increasing cholesterol levels
Cholesterol levels build up in the body undetected for a long time and are only noticeable when the buildup triggers health complications. Mild to moderate discomforts observed when the following problems develop are among the early signs of increasing cholesterol levels.

  • Heart disease
    Cholesterol circulates in the bloodstream, carrying essential vitamins and minerals for cell maintenance. These nutrients also supplement essential functions for various organs. Blood circulation is continuous, so these cholesterol molecules repeatedly pass along the arteries and veins. An increase in bad cholesterol (LDL) causes plaque buildup and triggers blockage. Plaque buildup also results in the narrowing of arteries and veins, thus hindering natural blood flow. Chest pain, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and pain radiating in the neck and jaw are early signs of increasing cholesterol levels. These symptoms are indicative of the blockages causing plaque buildup and interrupting circulation. Eventually, plaque buildup increases the risk of coronary artery disease among adults.
  • Stroke and blood clots
    Blood pressure is a critical function that is regulated by the circulatory system. The heart pumps freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs to all body parts. Adults usually have a normal blood pressure of 130/80 that increases or decreases with the slightest change in physical activity. Here again, plaque buildup due to high levels of bad cholesterol in the body increases the risk of clots and blockages in the arteries. The narrowing of the artery walls forces blood to be pumped at a higher-than-normal pressure. And this increase in blood pressure is one of the early signs of increasing cholesterol levels. High blood pressure is also one of the primary triggers of a stroke. One will experience sudden dizziness, loss of balance, decreased coordination, drooping eyelids, and partial paralysis on one side of the body. These are some of the most evident precursors to a stroke. In addition, some people also experience slurring, confusion, blurred vision, double vision, and severe headaches as a stroke develops gradually.
  • Heart attacks
    Heart attacks are different from heart diseases. An attack is sudden and happens without warning; symptoms develop quickly. Heart disease is more gradual and takes time to develop symptoms. Plaque buildup in the arteries is also a major risk factor for heart attacks. The heart is tasked with pumping freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs. So, its function mainly depends on the proper circulation of the blood. Blockages in the arteries caused by plaque buildup reduce blood flow to the heart and deprive the organ of essential nutrients. This triggers organ failure, otherwise known as a heart attack. Heart attacks vary in severity; some are so mild that they rarely trigger organ failure, whereas other attacks may require surgery for transplant due to complete organ failure. It is one of the reasons why high cholesterol levels should never be ignored.
  • Diabetes and blood pressure
    An imbalance in cholesterol in the body is directly linked to a person’s blood sugar levels. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of narrowing arteries, which makes it easier for bad cholesterol to build up plaque. When a person is diagnosed with diabetes, it becomes essential to monitor the changes in blood cholesterol constantly. Increased blood pressure is also an early sign of increasing cholesterol levels. High blood pressure can trigger chronic hypertension, mainly due to blocked arteries that hinder blood circulation. A lipid profile test can be done to identify the amount of good and bad cholesterol when these changes occur.

Tests for high cholesterol
A blood test is the only way to confirm if a person has high cholesterol. Once signs and symptoms linked to the complications mentioned above worsen, doctors suggest a complete lipid profile. The screening checks for high levels of low-density lipoprotein, low levels of high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides, which are special fats the body uses for storing energy. Total cholesterol is the combination of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. The optimal numbers for a lipid panel test are fixed in the following ranges: total cholesterol should be no more than 200 mg/dl, and anything above 240 mg/dl is severely high cholesterol.

Factors that impact overall risk for high cholesterol
The fatty substance is naturally found in the body and is derived from fats in daily foods and beverages. So, there are prima facie risk factors that influence daily levels.

  • Lack of nutrition
    The body relies on a healthy intake of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to balance and support vital functions. Nutritional deficiencies are generally caused due to poor eating habits like consuming heavy saturated and trans fats from processed foods. This can directly increase bad cholesterol levels leading to plaque buildup.
  • Lack of exercise
    A sedentary lifestyle greatly increases the risk of fat buildup in the arteries. This happens because the body does not burn off the excess calories consumed. Also, without exercise, the body will be unable to maintain good cholesterol levels to counter the imbalance in fats.
  • Advancing age
    High cholesterol is a silent risk that increases with advancing age. Younger people who stay active, eat healthily, and manage stress need not necessarily worry since cholesterol is more common over 40.
  • Poor lifestyle choices
    Certain habits that are detrimental to overall health also increase the risk of high cholesterol. These habits affect the functioning of vital organs like the liver and kidneys, which purify the blood and help remove toxins from the body.

Most Popular

5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep

5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep

Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature.
Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Foods to be avoided by diabetes patients

Food gets broken down into glucose by the body to release energy for its functioning. Most meal plans combine fats, proteins, sugars, and other essential carbohydrates vital for healthy growth and organ function. However, people with diabetes should be careful about seemingly healthy foods as it can trigger a spike in their blood glucose levels. Here are different foods that are bad for diabetes and should not be eaten regularly: Various foods that are bad for diabetes patients Fruit juices and other drinks Sugar consumption via beverages can spike insulin levels drastically. Did you know that lots of seemingly healthy store-bought fruit smoothies, sports drinks, bottled juices, and sodas can spike blood sugar levels too? Also, natural fruit juices are not necessarily a healthy option as they are high in fructose. Aside from this, cola, iced tea, lemonade, and other flavored beverages are excessively high in carbs, sugar, and fructose. Their regular consumption can trigger insulin resistance, forcing healthy cells to reject insulin and extract glucose for energy. Another crucial thing to remember is to avoid any type of spirit if you have diabetes. These contain empty calories and can worsen the condition significantly. Cereals, yogurt, and dried fruits Daily breakfast cereals are fortified with essential vitamins and nutrients that make up for a wholesome meal.
3 foods to avoid for better lung health

3 foods to avoid for better lung health

Strengthening the lungs can help one avoid respiratory issues and diseases. Even when diagnosed with a lung-related illness, making significant changes to the lifestyle and food regimen can help people manage the symptoms and restore lung function. However, it is equally important to avoid the food items that damage these organs and cause issues like inflammation, sneezing, and wheezing. Here are a few foods to avoid to improve lung health: Salty food Foods with excessive salt should be avoided as their long-term consumption can have severe consequences on the overall health. Excess sodium in such food items can enlarge the muscles of the heart, cause headaches, increase blood pressure, and lead to a wide range of kidney-related issues like stones. Such foods can also have a negative effect on the health of the lungs and have been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis. Additionally, too much salt in meals can also worsen the symptoms of respiratory issues like asthma. This is because sodium can cause fluid retention, leading to shortness of breath in those with lung diseases. To reduce its intake, one should start by limiting salt in their meals and instead add more herbs and spices as seasoning.
Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine headaches are a devitalizing experience. It completely saps the person of energy and prevents them from being productive during these episodes. There is usually a build-up to a migraine attack which is different for every individual. The phase before the actual migraine attack is known as the aura, and people may report seeing flashes of light or experiencing a tingling sensation. Below are some options for treating migraine headaches: Treatment options Nurtec Nurtec is a treatment option that helps relieve some symptoms of migraines. It reduces the severity of headaches and sensitivity to light. Nurtec is usually taken on alternate days to prevent migraines and other pain associated with the condition. Ubrelvy Ubrelvy, a fast pain-relief, is a treatment option that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the body. CGRP is associated with migraine attacks, and suppressing it goes a long way in treating the condition. Excedrin This pain reliever does not just treat migraine headaches but also pain in other parts of the body. Excedrin provides fast pain relief to the patient. Qulipta Qulipta is a treatment option that helps prevent migraines over a more extended period. However, medical professionals do not recommend this treatment option to people suffering from kidney or liver problems.
4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

4 easy tips to keep dogs free of ticks and fleas

A pet’s fur can be the perfect breeding ground for fleas and ticks. These pests can annoy your pet throughout the day. Such parasites can also cause several health problems like Lyme disease and skin infections in dogs and humans. Fortunately, pet care experts have developed several ways to rid these critters of your furry friend. Here are four handy tips that help with managing flea and tick infestations in dogs: Initiate a treatment plan If your pet develops a pest infestation, the first and foremost thing to do is get them on a treatment plan. Here are a few prescriptions that can be helpful: Bravecto® (Fluralaner) This prescription for dogs comes in two types: a chewable option or a topical solution. Bravecto is approved by the FDA and works on dogs and puppies at least six months of age who weigh at least 4.4 pounds. If you pick the chewable option for your pet, it must be given with their food once a month. Alternately, the topical solution must be applied once every 12 weeks. You can also check out special offers on Bravecto’s website for attractive discounts on their products. Simparica Another recommended treatment for fleas and ticks is the FDA-approved chewable from Simparica.

Popular Articles

5 mistakes to avoid while using vacuum cleaners
Home
01

5 mistakes to avoid while using vacuum cleaners

Vacuum cleaners are one of the most reliable home cleaning appliances. With the help of the machine, cordless or corded, one can get rid of dirt, cobwebs, and allergens found around the house. The device is used for cleaning purposes, therefore, it is vital to handle the vacuum cleaner correctly for optimal usage. That said, not everyone knows how to use a vacuum cleaner efficiently. Below are the common mistakes made while using them: Failing to empty or clean dust bags and filters It is important to empty and clean vacuum dust bags regularly. Failing to do so can affect the efficiency of the vacuum cleaner. Despite vacuuming, if you still notice dust stains on the carpet or the floor, it’s an indicator to empty the dust bag. Another tell-tale sign for the removal of dust bag is when your vacuum cleaner seems to be losing its suction power. The frequency of emptying the vacuum bags will depend on how often you use the device. A full vacuum dust bag will lead to an accumulation of dust and the breeding of bacteria and germs in the bag. Many latest models are equipped with disposable bags that are much more convenient.
Read More
How to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health
health
02

How to manage osteoporosis and improve bone health

Osteoporosis is a condition that makes the bone brittle and weak. When severe, even slight pressure caused by coughing, bending over, or falling can cause a fracture. Such fractures are predominant in the spine, wrist, or hip. Osteoporosis occurs if the new bone fails to keep up with the loss of the old bone. It affects men and women, but post-menopausal women are more susceptible. Let’s discuss the correct osteoporosis treatment and management plan: Treatment plan Prolia It is a prescription treatment plan for relieving osteoporosis in women post-menopause who cannot use other options or have not responded well to prior treatment and are susceptible to fractures. Doctors will prescribe it for at least six months. Prolia helps treat both men and women. However, professionals do not recommend it for pregnant women, women trying to get pregnant anytime soon, or people with low blood calcium. Further, those allergic to denosumab or any other Prolia ingredient must avoid it. Evenity Evenity helps with osteoporosis in two ways: it slows down bone loss and helps build new bone simultaneously. It is an FDA-approved treatment for osteoporosis that comes as a prefilled, single-use syringe with solution. But Evenity may have severe side effects.
Read More
10 human foods that are safe for dogs
Pets
03

10 human foods that are safe for dogs

Many pet owners tend to share their own food with their pets. After all, it can be hard to say no to the puppy eyes watching you while you cook or eat. However, humans and dogs metabolize food differently, and so, what is safe and healthy for you can be dangerous for your four-legged companion. So, here are a few safe and delicious human foods that even dogs can enjoy: Peanut butter Not just us, even dogs can’t get enough of peanut butter. Fortunately, it is safe for dogs and contains nutrients like healthy fats, vitamins B and E, protein, and niacin. However, it is high in fat and calorie content, so overindulgence can lead to health issues. Also, plain peanut butter that does not contain added sugar, salt, or artificial sweeteners, should be offered to dogs. Chicken Cooked chicken, without bones and spices, can be a perfect meal for canines. It is one of the best sources of protein, making it one of the most common ingredients in dog foods. Cooked chicken bones should never be given to your pets as these bones can splinter and lead to choking. Carrots Carrots can be your go-to choice for veggies that can be shared with dogs.
Read More