What are the symptoms of high cholesterol? Let's learn about this.

Do you also think that when cholesterol increases, our body feels it more? Many people think so. But the truth is, the increase in blood cholesterol levels does not show any obvious symptoms that we can feel directly. It is like an enemy that works silently. However, due to this increase in cholesterol, the risk of developing other serious diseases that show symptoms increases greatly. Let's talk about this today.

Indirect symptoms that may be caused by cholesterol

Although there are no direct symptoms, due to increased cholesterol, fat begins to deposit in the blood vessels of our body. We also call this `(Atherosclerosis).` We get clues about cholesterol through other diseases caused by this condition.

• Chest pain caused by heart disease (Angina): When the blood vessels become narrow, the heart does not receive the required amount of blood. This can cause a pain that feels like a tightening or constriction in the chest.
• High Blood Pressure: When fat deposits build up in the blood vessels and their space decreases, more pressure is exerted on the blood vessels to circulate.
• Stroke: If a channel that supplies blood to the brain becomes blocked in this way, a stroke can occur.
• Other circulatory problems: Blockage of the blood vessels in the limbs can cause things like pain in the legs when walking.

In addition, sometimes our body gives us some clues, even if they are not direct.

So how do we deal with this?

It is not a good idea to wait until symptoms appear. We need to take steps early to control the silent enemy called cholesterol.

Let's learn the basics.

Your cholesterol level isn't just a single number. When you get a blood test, the report you get includes a section called a "Lipid Profile." This helps your doctor see the full picture.

• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): This is the "bad cholesterol"These are the ones that deposit on the walls of blood vessels and clog them. This value should be kept low.
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): This is called "good cholesterol." Its role is to remove bad cholesterol from the blood vessels and take it to the liver. It's like a garbage truck. The higher the value of this, the better.
• Triglycerides: This is another type of fat found in the blood. Elevated levels of this also increase the risk of heart disease.

It is essential to get a blood test.

Since cholesterol has no obvious symptoms, the only way to know your level is to get a blood test. Even if you are thin and think you are healthy, you may have a cholesterol problem. Therefore, it is recommended to have this test at least once every 4-6 years after the age of 20. If you have diabetes, are overweight, or are at risk for heart disease, your doctor may recommend that you get tested more often.

Lifestyle changes are very important

There are many things you can do to control your cholesterol levels.

• Exercise: Exercising daily is the best solution. You don't have to run a marathon. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking, swimming, or dancing 4-5 days a week is enough. If you don't have enough time, you can break it up into 10-minute sessions a day.
• Quit smoking: Smoking lowers the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in our body. This means that more bad cholesterol (LDL) remains. If you quit smoking, you can improve your cholesterol levels. Also, avoid inhaling secondhand smoke.
• Maintain a healthy weight: When you gain weight, especially visceral fat, your LDL levels increase and your HDL levels decrease. Losing even 10% of your current weight can have a big, positive impact on your cholesterol levels. Talk to your doctor about the best diet and exercise plan for you.
• Be careful with your diet: Reduce saturated fat in red meats like beef, pork, and goat, and high-fat dairy foods like butter, cream, and cheese. Also, it is best to completely avoid bakery products and margarine that contain "trans fats" in the market.
• Get proper treatment for other diseases: If you have other diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure, it is very important to get them treated properly. When you control those diseases, your cholesterol levels can also be controlled. Never change the dosage of your medication or stop treatment without talking to your doctor.

When to seek immediate medical advice

There are some symptoms, and if you notice them, it's better not to wait. At such times, you should see a doctor immediately.

Cholesterol is not something to be afraid of, but it is definitely something to be concerned about. With the right knowledge and lifestyle, we can control this condition well.