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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #14297
46 days ago
88

cholesterol symptoms - #14297

Nisha

I am a bit worried about these cholesteral symtoms I've been having. Like, for the past few months, I’ve noticed I get random chest pains, and sometimes I feel this heavy pressure in my chest, kind of like someone’s sitting on me. Also, I've been getting really fatigued easily, which is super annoying because I used to go for long runs and now just climbing the stairs makes me feel out of breath. My doctor said he wanted to check my cholesterol levels, but he also mentioned that cholesterol symptoms might not always be obvious. That kinda scares me, you know? I did some digging and read that high cholesterol can lead to heart disease, which freaked me out a bit. I’m trying to eat healthy, but I still have no idea what actually counts as high cholesterol symptoms or if I should be doing more than just eating better. Do any of you think these symptoms I'm having could definitely be linked to my cholesterol levels or am I overthinking it? I guess I'm just trying to figure out if I should be pushing my doctor for more tests or what – are theren other cholesterol symptoms I'm missing? Really appreciate any thoughts!

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Doctors’ responses

High cholesterol itself typically doesn’t cause symptoms directly, which is why it’s often referred to as a ‘silent’ condition. The symptoms you’re experiencing—chest pain, pressure, fatigue, and breathlessness—are generally not directly caused by high cholesterol but rather by its effects over time, such as the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can lead to coronary artery disease, which does have symptoms like you’ve described. That’s why your doctor is focusing on your cholesterol levels. You are right to be proactive about this, because controlling cholesterol plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease. The random chest pains and heaviness need careful evaluation to rule out any immediate cardiac issues. It’s important for you to discuss these symptoms with your physician, emphasizing their frequency and severity, to determine if further cardiac tests, like an ECG or a stress test, might be warranted to assess your heart health more comprehensively. While you’re working on diet, aim for a balanced intake that includes lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (like those found in fish and nuts) — minimize trans and saturated fats, sugar, and refined carbs. Exercise, when you’re able, also helps manage cholesterol, but do avoid overexertion; your fatigue and breathlessness could signal something that needs addressing before resuming strenuous activity. Besides lifestyle changes, your doctor might consider statins or other medications if your cholesterol levels or heart risk is high, but that would depend on a full cardiovascular risk assessment, considering factors like age, family history, blood pressure, and whether you smoke. If you haven’t already, a fasting lipid panel will help quantify your cholesterol and guide these decisions. It’s essential to continue this conversation with your healthcare provider to decide on monitoring intervals and any further action needed, ensuring safety and clarity in your management. Don’t hold back from asking for more tests if you’re feeling concerned; it’s always better to rule out serious conditions early on.

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