High Cholesterol and Triglycerides:
High cholesterol and triglyceride levels often do not cause noticeable symptoms until they lead to complications such as heart disease or stroke. However, some individuals with extremely high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides may experience signs and symptoms such as:
1. Xanthomas: These are small, fatty deposits that appear as yellowish or orange-colored bumps or patches on the skin, particularly around the eyes, elbows, knees, hands, feet, or buttocks. Xanthomas can be a sign of very high cholesterol levels.
2. Xanthelasma: These are yellowish patches of cholesterol deposits that form on the eyelids. They can be soft or hard and may or may not be associated with high cholesterol levels.
3. Tendinous xanthomas: These are cholesterol deposits that form as nodules or lumps on the tendons, particularly in the hands, feet, elbows, or Achilles tendons. They can be painful and limit joint movement.
4. Chest pain or angina: High cholesterol levels can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis), which can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle, causing chest pain or discomfort known as angina.
5. Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Atherosclerosis caused by high cholesterol levels can also narrow the arteries in the legs, reducing blood flow and causing symptoms such as leg pain, cramping, weakness, or numbness, especially during physical activity.
6. Stroke: High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of atherosclerosis in the arteries supplying blood to the brain, leading to a stroke. Symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech, sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes, and sudden severe headache.
7. Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Also known as a "mini-stroke," a TIA occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is temporarily blocked, causing symptoms similar to those of a stroke but lasting only a few minutes to a few hours.
It's important to note that these symptoms are not specific to high cholesterol or triglyceride levels and can occur due to other conditions as well. Regular cholesterol and triglyceride screenings are essential for diagnosing and monitoring levels, especially in individuals with risk factors such as obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, or a family history of heart disease. If you experience any of these symptoms or have risk factors for high cholesterol or triglycerides, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and management.
Disclaimer: The Natural Medicine recommendations provided here are for information purposes only.
Users should always consult with your medical provider.