Know the Symptoms of High Cholesterol and the Importance of Prevention

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is important for our body, but if the cholesterol level in the blood is too high, it can cause serious health problems. High cholesterol or also known as hypercholesterolemia is a condition in which there is an increase in cholesterol levels in the blood. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of high cholesterol to watch out for and the importance of prevention. Baca selanjutnya...

1. Pain in the chest:

One of the common symptoms of high cholesterol is chest pain. This can occur due to plaque buildup in the arteries, which blocks blood flow to the heart. If you experience prolonged pain, pressure or discomfort in your chest, consult your doctor immediately.

2. Hard to breathe:

High cholesterol can also cause difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. This is caused by decreased blood flow reaching the lungs due to blocked arteries. If you find it difficult to breathe or experience unusual shortness of breath, see a doctor immediately.

3. Excessive fatigue:

High cholesterol levels can cause excessive tiredness or unexplained tiredness. This happens because the buildup of plaque in the arteries can block sufficient blood flow to supply oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. As a result, you may feel tired and have a constant loss of energy. If you experience unnatural fatigue, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, consult a doctor immediately.

4. Appearance of xanthelasma:

Xanthelasma are yellowish patches or fatty lumps that appear around the eyelids. They are external signs that are often associated with high cholesterol levels. Xanthelasma occurs due to the buildup of cholesterol in the skin. If you notice yellow patches around the eyes, it's best to see a doctor for further assessment.

5. Problems with peripheral blood vessels:

High cholesterol levels can also cause problems in the peripheral blood vessels, which include the arteries and veins that carry blood to and from the extremities of the body such as the hands and feet. The buildup of cholesterol plaques in the peripheral blood vessels can lead to a condition known as peripheral arterial disease. Symptoms include pain, cramps or tingling in the extremities, especially with activity. If you experience such symptoms, consult a doctor immediately for proper evaluation and management.

6. Problems with vital organs:

High cholesterol levels can also negatively affect vital organs such as the liver and kidneys. Cholesterol buildup in the liver can lead to the development of fatty liver disease, in which liver cells fill with fat that can interfere with their normal function. In addition, elevated cholesterol levels can also cause damage to the kidneys and exacerbate existing kidney disease conditions.

7. Strokes and heart attacks:

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks. Cholesterol plaques that build up in the coronary arteries can cause them to narrow or completely block them, blocking the healthy flow of blood to the heart. If blood flow to the heart is completely stopped, a heart attack can occur.

In addition, the buildup of cholesterol plaque that occurs in the arteries can also cause blood clots to form which can then block blood flow to the brain. This can cause a stroke, which can result in permanent damage to brain function.

Prevention and Actions that Need to be Taken:

It is important to be aware of the symptoms of high cholesterol and take appropriate preventive steps. Some actions that can be taken to keep cholesterol levels healthy include: