High cholesterol is a health problem that actually has no direct symptoms or signs, but when cholesterol levels increase excessively, certain changes can occur in the body. What exactly is cholesterol? Cholesterol causes plaque build-up in the arteries that restricts optimal blood and oxygen flow.
This hinders the functioning of the heart and puts heart health at risk. Cholesterol is divided into categories – high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol, the healthy type of cholesterol. It transports excess cholesterol from your arteries to your liver, which removes it from your body. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) This is the “bad,” unhealthy type of cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can accumulate in your arteries and form fatty, waxy deposits called plaque.
Sometimes some signs of increased LDL levels may be different in men and women. Substances like wax can cause blockage which can lead to health emergencies. Here are some signs and symptoms men should pay attention to
Xanthelasma: This is a symptom that occurs near the eye. This is a common symptom indicating elevated LDL levels. It is the formation of raised or flat yellow areas that form around the eyes or close to the nose.
Chest pain or discomfort: High cholesterol can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries. When these plaques block blood flow to the heart, it can cause chest pain or discomfort called angina. This symptom may occur during physical exertion or emotional stress.
Numbness or tingling: In cases where high cholesterol causes peripheral artery disease (PAD), reduced blood flow to the limbs can cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling or a feeling of weakness in the legs or feet.
Shortness of breath: If high cholesterol contributes to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD) or heart failure, it can affect the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. This may result in shortness of breath, especially during physical activity or when lying down.