High Cholesterol Red Flags You Should Know

High Cholesterol Red Flags

There are usually no symptoms that indicate have high cholesterol. You can’t just feel whether your cholesterol is high or not. Rather, Verywell Health says any symptoms you might experience are related to the consequences of the disease rather than the disease itself.

If you are experiencing health problems due to high cholesterol, here are some of the red flags to look out for:

• High blood pressure
• Fatigue
• Difficulty breathing
• Headaches
• Vision problems
• Irregular heartbeats
• Chest pains
• A dermatologic condition called xanthomas (only in severe cases)

Diagnosing High Cholesterol

So if there aren’t any symptoms that directly relate to high cholesterol, how do you know whether you have it or not? Simply, you will have to go through a blood test called a lipid profile. WebMD says different results help doctors interpret your cholesterol health.

Earlier we talked about how lipoproteins help dissolve cholesterol in order to transport it throughout the body. A lipid profile test measures different forms of lipoprotein, each with its own purpose in maintaining healthy cholesterol. A lipoprotein profile includes:

• Total cholesterol
• Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)
• High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL)
• Triglycerides

The Risks of High LDL Cholesterol Levels

The CDC says LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, makes up most of the body’s cholesterol. High LDL levels put you at higher risk of heart disease and stroke because it can build up on the walls of your blood vessels, blocking proper blood throughout your organs. The desirable LDL cholesterol level is less than 100-milligrams/decilitre (mg/dL).

HDL Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol is also known as “good” cholesterol. This form absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver, where it is then flushed from the body. You want a higher level of HDL to lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. Ideally, levels should be greater than or equal to 60 mg/dL.

Triglycerides and Total Cholesterol

The CDC says triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood that your body uses for energy. If you have high levels of triglycerides along with unhealthy LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, your risk of heart attack and stroke increases. Normal levels of triglycerides are less than 150 mg/dL.

Your total cholesterol is simply the total amount of cholesterol in your blood based on your HDL, LDL, and triglycerides numbers. A desirable total cholesterol level is less than 150 mg/dL.

Risk Factors

It’s recommended that healthy adults over the age of 20 get their cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years. Mayo Clinic says you might have to get your levels checked more often if you fall under one of the risk factors for high cholesterol.

Some factors that increase your risk of high cholesterol are:

• Consuming diets high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat
• Having a body mass index of 30 or greater
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking cigarettes
• Age
• Diabetes

Preventing High Cholesterol Levels

Whether you’re trying to lower your cholesterol or maintain healthy cholesterol levels, you can do so by living a healthy lifestyle. Making positive choices related to your diet and overall lifestyle can lower your risk of complications that comes from having high cholesterol.

Here are some simple ways to reduce your risk of high cholesterol:

• Prioritize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals
• Eat a low-salt diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Aim for 30 minutes of daily physical activity
• Manage stress levels