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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #14655
46 days ago
81

cholesterol problem symptoms - #14655

Pari

I am dealing with what my doctor said is a cholesterol problem, and I'm just really confused about it all. A few months back, I started feeling really tired all the time and thought it was just stress or something, but then they did some bloodwork and told me my cholesterol levels were super high. I've been trying to eat better and exercise, but I don't really know what specific cholesterol problem symptoms I should be watching out for. Like, I sometimes get these weird pains in my chest, but they said that could be anxiety too, but could it be related to my cholesterol problem instead? I also get headaches, like a lot. I remember reading something that said fatigue could be a cholesterol problem symptom, but I can't even keep track of what falls under that umbrella. I'm honestly just a bit overwhelmed. How can I tell if these symptoms I'm experiencing are actually from this cholesterol problem? Should I be worried? What other cholesterol problem symptoms should I be aware of? Are there tests or check-ups I should be scheduling? Any guidance would be super appreciated because I feel lost right now.

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Doctors’ responses

Cholesterol itself doesn’t usually cause symptoms; it’s more about the long-term effects of high cholesterol that you have to be cautious about. High cholesterol can lead to a buildup of plaque in your arteries, which over time, increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks or strokes. The symptoms you might associate with high cholesterol are often indirect and related to those more serious conditions. For instance, chest pains (angina) could potentially relate to obstructed blood flow due to plaque buildup, but this is something that usually requires severe and long-term cholesterol issues. Anxiety can definitely cause similar chest discomfort, and it’s good your doctors are exploring both possibilities. The headaches and fatigue you’re experiencing aren’t classic symptoms of high cholesterol directly, but the general malaise or feeling unwell might affect how you’re interpreting them.

Your best bet is to focus on managing these cholesterol levels by maintaining a healthy diet low in saturated fats and incorporating regular aerobic exercise like walking or swimming, as these are most effective in controlling cholesterol. Keep in contact with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, especially that chest pain they should be monitoring—an ECG or stress test might be warranted if they determine further investigation is necessary. Regular follow-ups with blood tests to check your cholesterol levels and possibly other tests to examine your heart health, like a lipid panel or echocardiogram, could be something to discuss with your doctor. It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, but by consistently following your doctor’s treatment plan and maintaining regular check-ups, you can keep a good handle on your condition.

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