High cholesterol levels often go unnoticed in the early stages. That’s why he’s nicknamed the silent killer.
When in excess, this fatty substance circulating in the blood can increase the risk of heart attacks and dangerous strokes without you even realizing it. Dr Smriti Saraf, Consultant Cardiologist at The Lister Hospital, has highlighted some of the warning signs that this silent killer is clogging up your arteries and the test you should have to check your cholesterol levels.
Total cholesterol can be found by doing a blood test. Photo: Shutterstock
According to Dr. Saraf, symptoms of cholesterol buildup, also known medically as atherosclerosis, may not appear until there is a significant blockage.
“However, when symptoms occur, they can vary depending on the artery affected. For example, with a coronary artery, you may experience symptoms such as chest pain (angina) or difficulty breathing, more chosen during physical activity.
If the arteries leading to the brain are involved, there may be sudden numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty speaking or slurred speech, or drooping of the facial muscles. These are symptoms of a stroke and require immediate medical attention.”
The doctor explains that a substance called cholesterol triggers these effects by progressively building up on the inner walls of the arteries, forming a hard, thick substance known as plaque. This process, known as atherosclerosis, can start as early as childhood.
“As plaque builds up, it narrows the artery, reducing blood flow to vital organs.
If a piece of this plaque breaks, it can cause a blood clot, which can completely block blood flow. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke, depending on the location of the blocked artery.”
Therefore, if you notice any of the warning signs mentioned, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately, as these are serious symptoms that may indicate a heart attack or stroke,” adds the doctor.
Dr. Saraf points out that the physical symptoms of cholesterol appear when the condition has developed over time.
“In many cases, people don’t know they have high cholesterol until they have a heart attack or stroke, which are serious health events that can occur when cholesterol buildup leads to blockages in the arteries that supply the heart or brain.
That’s why regular blood tests are so important. They are the main way to detect high cholesterol levels early, allowing intervention before it leads to serious health problems.”
A simple blood test, known as a lipid profile, can measure your total, “bad” and “good” cholesterol. this is the only reliable way to confirm your cholesterol levels.
It is recommended that adults over 40 have their cholesterol checked at least once every five years.
However, if you have a family history of high cholesterol or other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, you may need to get your cholesterol checked more often.
Source: Express
2023-12-27 09:12:54
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