The percentage of hypercholesterolemia among the population of the State of Qatar reached 21.9% in 2020. Hypercholesterolemia increases the risk of heart attacks, so detecting it early can make a big difference. Learn about the symptoms of hypercholesterolemia. (1)


Symptoms of high cholesterol

Hypercholesterolemia usually does not cause any obvious symptoms, so it is referred to as a “silent” condition, and the only way to know if you have it is by having a blood test to analyze cholesterol and lipid profile. (2) 


Sometimes, in cases of severe hypercholesterolemia, symptoms such as: a gray ring around the cornea, or soft yellow bumps on the skin (xanthoma), may appear, but they are not an accurate indicator of this. (3)


When is hypercholesterolemia?

The blood cholesterol test and lipid profile measure the levels of various types of cholesterol and triglycerides, and we say that cholesterol is high when the levels are as follows: (7)


  • Bad cholesterol (LDL): greater than 100 mg/dL.

(The normal range can change according to several factors such as age and chronic diseases)

  • Total cholesterol: greater than 200 mg/dL.
  • Triglycerides: greater than 150 mg/dL.


Ask your doctor about your healthy cholesterol levels, and if your cholesterol results are abnormal, and you may undergo additional tests. (7)


Diseases resulting from hypercholesterolemia and their symptoms

High levels of cholesterol may cause occlusion and narrowing of the arteries in various parts of the body, leading to the emergence of many diseases and serious medical conditions, such as heart attacks or strokes. Below are the most prominent examples: (2)


  • Hypertension: Due to narrowing of the arteries and arteriosclerosis, the heart will work harder to pump blood through the blood vessels, and over time this may cause hypertension. (6)
  • Heart attack (angina): occurs due to decreased blood flow to the heart muscle, causing the following symptoms: (4)


oPain or tightness in the middle of the chest area.

oUpper body pain (especially pain that radiates to the shoulder and left arm).

oBreathing difficulty.

oDizziness.

oDigestive problems such as: nausea, indigestion, or acid reflux.

oExtreme fatigue and exhaustion.

oExcessive sweating.


  • Stroke: occurs due to brain ischemia, and the following symptoms appear: (5)

oDrooping eyelids and mouth to one side, and inability to smile.

oDifficulty moving, especially on only one side of the body.

oDysarthria or aphasia.

oSudden problem with balance and coordination.

oSudden vision problems: blurry or double vision, or complete loss of vision

oParaesthesia and numbness on one side of the body, specifically in the face, arm, or leg.

oConfusion and dizziness

oSudden severe headache.




** You must contact the emergency department immediately when symptoms of a heart attack or stroke appear.




  • Peripheral arterial disease: occurs due to the accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries outside the heart, causing the following:

Early symptoms: limp, cramping, pain and discomfort in the legs and feet, especially during physical activity or exercise, and relieve with rest.

As the disease progresses, symptoms become frequent, and may occur at rest or activity, and include: (8)


oLeg pain that does relieves with rest.

oColdness in the lower part of one leg or foot, compared to the other.

oSkin discoloration of the legs and feet or skin shine.

oDelayed wounds healing in the legs and feet.

oSlowed growth of hair and toenails.

oBurning in the toes.

oLeg cramps and numbness.

oBluish toes.




Don't let high cholesterol go unnoticed! Take a proactive step towards better health and schedule an appointment for your heart health checkup today at Al-Ahli Heart Center, thanks to the latest medical facilities and techniques. Our dedicated team of cardiologists care about your safety, assess your risks, provide guidance, and develop a plan to keep your heart at its best.





References:


  1. https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-08609-5
  2. https://familydoctor.org/condition/cholesterol/
  3. https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/understanding-cholesterol-problems-symptoms
  4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angina/symptoms-causes/syc-20369373
  5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5601-stroke
  6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11918-cholesterol-high-cholesterol-diseases
  7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315900#levels-and-age
  8. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350557