04/07/2026
🟣 High cholesterol
➟ High cholesterol means there is too much cholesterol or unhealthy fat in the blood.
→ It often causes no symptoms for years.
→ Over time, cholesterol can build up inside arteries and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and poor blood flow to the legs.
🟣 Possible signs and warning clues
➟ No symptoms
→ Most people with high cholesterol feel completely normal, so blood testing is important.
➟ Xanthelasma around the eyes
→ Yellowish plaques on or around the eyelids can sometimes be linked with high cholesterol.
➟ Corneal arcus
→ A grey or white ring around the cornea may suggest cholesterol issues, especially in younger adults.
➟ Tendon xanthomas
→ Firm cholesterol deposits over tendons, such as the Achilles tendon or hands, can suggest severe inherited lipid disorders.
➟ Chest pain or angina
→ Plaque buildup in heart arteries can cause chest pain, pressure, or tightness, especially with exertion.
➟ Shortness of breath on exertion
→ Reduced blood flow to the heart may cause breathlessness during activity.
➟ Leg pain while walking
→ Poor blood flow in leg arteries can cause calf, thigh, or buttock pain that improves with rest.
➟ Stroke or TIA warning signs
→ Sudden face drooping, arm weakness, speech trouble, vision loss, dizziness, or one-sided numbness needs urgent care.
➟ Heart attack warning signs
→ Severe chest pain, sweating, breathlessness, nausea, fainting, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, or back needs emergency care.
🟣 Management
➟ Confirm with a lipid profile blood test.
→ Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides help assess risk.
➟ Improve diet quality.
→ Reduce trans fats, deep-fried foods, processed snacks, and excess saturated fat.
→ Increase vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and high-fiber foods.
➟ Exercise regularly.
→ Regular walking, aerobic activity, and strength training can improve cholesterol and heart health.
➟ Maintain a healthy weight.
→ Weight loss, if overweight, can improve LDL, triglycerides, blood pressure, and insulin resistance.
➟ Stop smoking and limit alcohol.
→ Smoking damages arteries, and excess alcohol can raise triglycerides.
➟ Take medicines if prescribed.
→ Statins or other lipid-lowering medicines may be needed, especially if heart risk is high.
➟ Follow up regularly.
→ Repeat blood tests help check response and guide treatment.
🟣 Medical disclaimer
This information is for general health awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. High cholesterol should be diagnosed and managed by a qualified healthcare professional. Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, stroke symptoms, or heart attack warning signs.
Source: medica
