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Cardiac & Vascular Health
Question #19161
65 days ago
135

symptoms of cholesterol increase - #19161

Kabir

I am really worried about my health lately. A few weeks ago, I started feeling super tired, and it just wouldn't go away. I also noticed I've been unusually short of breath, especially when climbing stairs. At first, I thought maybe it was just stress from work or not enough sleep, but then my mom said she heard something about the symptoms of cholesterol increase. That got me thinking. I've never really had any issues with cholesterol, but I've been eating way more takeout food since my schedule got crazy. Then I saw some online articles mentioning things like chest pain and increased fatigue as part of the symptoms of cholesterol increase, which has got me even more freaked out! I went to a doctor who did some blood tests, and my cholesterol levels came back elevated. The doctor said I should change my diet but didn't really explain what symptoms of cholesterol increase I should look for. I mean, are fatigue and shortness of breath actual symptoms of cholesterol increase? Or did I just get lucky and have a bad week? Honestly, I guess I need advice on what to do next, how to deal with these symptoms of cholesterol increase, and whether I should consider more tests or lifestyle changes. This is so confusing!

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Doctors' responses

Elevated cholesterol levels themselves don’t directly cause symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath, so you might not be seeing an immediate link there. High cholesterol is more of a silent issue—it can lead to gradual narrowing and hardening of the arteries, which over time could cause more obvious problems like heart disease or stroke. The symptoms you’re experiencing might not be from the cholesterol itself, but potentially from its cardiovascular impacts. If cholesterol builds up in your arteries, it can reduce blood flow and lead to conditions such as angina (chest pain) or claudication (leg pain during exertion), which might explain the shortness of breath. Fatigue, on the other hand, could be due to many factors, not necessarily tied directly to cholesterol but maybe related to lifestyle or other underlying conditions. Since your cholesterol levels came back elevated, taking action to manage it is important. Focus on a heart-healthy diet aiming for lower saturated fats and more fiber—think vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Physical activity is also key, aiming for about 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week can make a big difference. It’s a good idea to follow up with your healthcare provider about your symptoms; they might want to review your blood pressure, check for any signs of heart disease or suggest additional tests like an ECG or a stress test if there’s reason to suspect cardiovascular causes. Depending on your overall cardiovascular risk factors, sometimes medication might be needed alongside lifestyle changes to manage cholesterol effectively.

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