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What are the symptoms of cholesterol?
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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #11889
45 days ago
93

What are the symptoms of cholesterol? - #11889

Arnav

I am really freaking out right now because for the past few months, I've been dealing with these weird health issues. It all started after I went for a routine check-up and my doctor mentioned that my cholesterol levels were a bit high. But like, what are the symptoms of cholesterol that's elevated? I mean, I thought it was just some number on a lab report, but then I began noticing some things. First I had this weird pain in my chest sometimes, which scared the hell outta me. Then I’ve been feeling super fatigued and just not myself. I keep hearing people say high cholesterol doesn't show any symptoms, but now I’m not so sure? I read somewhere that sometimes your body can send signals that indicate cholesterol issues. What are the symptoms of cholesterol problems? Do I need to go back and get more tests done? I don’t wanna ignore this, but I also don’t wanna freak out over nothing. I’ve also started making changes in my diet since I heard that plays a big role. Do you guys think stress could be making it worse? I’m just feeling confused about what I should be looking out for. Like, are there specific symptoms I should definitely take seriously?

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Doctors’ responses

High cholesterol itself usually doesn’t present with specific symptoms. It’s often called a “silent” condition because it’s typically only detected through a blood test rather than by any particular physical sensations or symptoms. However, the consequences of having high cholesterol, such as cardiovascular issues, might indeed present certain symptoms. If your cholesterol levels have been high for a while, it may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis – which is the narrowing or hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup. This can lead to conditions like heart disease.

The chest pain you mentioned could be angina, which is pain or discomfort that happens when your heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen-rich blood. Fatigue is more non-specific but can be associated with reduced blood flow due to narrowed arteries. It’s important to pay attention to these signals, especially if they are new, persistent, or worsening. Stress could exacerbate these issues, so managing it is wise, but don’t rely on stress management alone to mitigate your symptoms.

Given your description, I would strongly recommend following up with your healthcare provider for a more comprehensive evaluation. Additional tests such as an ECG, a stress test, or more advanced lipid profiles might be necessary to rule out or confirm heart-related issues. It’s good that you’ve started making dietary changes, as diet definitely plays a significant role in managing cholesterol levels. Focus on reducing saturated fats, avoiding trans fats, and increasing fiber intake. Make sure to engage in regular physical activity, as this can improve your cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.

Remember that any sudden or severe chest pain should be evaluated promptly. And even if symptoms seem mild, it’s still best to consult your doctor promptly to discuss how your symptoms might relate to your heart health and whether further tests or treatment adjustments are necessary.

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