Could You Be Ignoring The Hidden Dangers Of High Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance in the cells of your body and plays various roles, such as the production of hormones, aid in digestion, and also in the repair of the cells. Even though the body makes all the cholesterol it requires, having extra cholesterol levels may be life-threatening. Sadly, this condition comes at a later stage in many people as high cholesterol typically does not come with noticeable symptoms.

It is known commonly as the "silent killer" because it damages one's health stealthily, going without any warnings and causing major health complications if left unchecked.

In the U.S. alone, millions of adults are living with high cholesterol, most of whom do not know it exists and the dangers that come with it.

High cholesterol is often silent and in fact sometimes isn't symptomatic until the point it causes severe effects. Eventually, if not managed, may end up causing even severe disorders such as heart disease and stroke, PAD, kidney failure, and sometimes cancer, too. That is the reason why high cholesterol never to be taken lightly

Heart disease is one of the most fatal outcomes associated with high cholesterol. When cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it forms a condition called atherosclerosis. This is a process whereby cholesterol, fat, and other materials collect on the inner linings of the arteries to form plaques. As time passes, this plaque narrows and hardens the arteries, reducing blood flow. Less blood supply to the heart causes angina; extreme cases cause a heart attack.

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart is blocked, often by a blood clot formed from the rupture of plaque in the arteries. This blockage can result in irreversible damage to the heart muscle. In some cases, this damage can be fatal, making heart disease one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

Cholesterol is not only bad for the heart, but it can also affect the brain. High cholesterol with high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke. When plaque builds up in the arteries leading to the brain, blood flow becomes restricted, depriving the brain of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly. This can result in a clot forming, which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

A stroke is the blockage of blood to a portion of the brain and, subsequently, death to brain cells. The intensity of the stroke depends on the area of the brain that has been affected; thus, it can bring long-term effects such as paralysis, memory loss, and speech difficulties.

Cholesterol-induced plaque build-up can also affect the arteries that are in your legs and arms, which leads to what's called peripheral artery disease (PAD). This occurs as a result of poor circulation when the arteries carrying blood to the limbs have been narrowed or blocked. Those suffering from PAD would develop pain, weakness, or cramping in the leg upon physical activity. Furthermore, they may even struggle to walk.

If PAD is left untreated, it can cause more significant complications, like ulcers and infections that can be followed by tissue death. It can become so serious that it leads to the amputation of the limb affected. In this manner, PAD presents a good example of how high cholesterol causes problems with circulation leading to serious diseases beyond heart or brain failure.

High cholesterol can also affect the kidneys adversely. The kidneys depend on proper blood flow to clean out the waste products from the body. However, if cholesterol blocks the arteries supplying the kidneys, it decreases the blood flow which further weakens the performance of the kidneys. With time, this can result in impaired kidneys or failure of the kidneys.

Kidney failure can be dangerous and requires the patient to need dialysis or a transplant. Therefore, controlling cholesterol is not only crucial for heart and brain functions but also for protecting your kidneys.

Even though the connection between cholesterol and cancer is still being looked into, it is believed by many researchers that high levels of cholesterol can lead to particular cancers. Recently, the UCLA discovered a connection that shows how cholesterol may also have a relationship with colon cancer. It is though that cholesterol causes cancer cells to multiply; however, there is much to know about this.

Because the condition does not have obvious symptoms, it is dangerous; a person can live with it for years without even realizing how much damage is being done to the body. Certain signs, however, will indicate that your cholesterol level is alarmingly high, especially if it has reached the point of peripheral artery disease, or PAD.

If you have high cholesterol or are at risk due to factors such as being over 40, being overweight, or having a family history of heart disease, it's very important to monitor for any unusual signs, particularly in your legs and feet. Symptoms of PAD, which may indicate that high cholesterol is affecting your circulation, include:

The good news is that it can be managed. High cholesterol levels can be reduced greatly if you make lifestyle adjustments like adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and not having excess alcohol. In most cases, medication may be prescribed to help control the cholesterol.

A diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help lower your cholesterol levels. Regular physical activity can improve heart health and reduce cholesterol. Lastly, routine cholesterol screenings are crucial to detect high cholesterol early before it causes irreversible damage.

High cholesterol is a major health risk, and its hidden dangers should not be ignored. These effects eventually cause the serious problems like death threats: heart diseases and strokes or renal failures. At times, you are free from all the symptoms in the initial stages. Instead, maintaining healthy life skills and a proper routine test would enable you to treat high cholesterol and preserve yourself for further complications. Do not wait until it is too late; do something about lowering your cholesterol now and reducing the risk of serious complications.