High cholesterol has no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to detect if you have it.
High cholesterol has no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to detect if you have it.
High cholesterol can cause a dangerous accumulation of cholesterol and other deposits on the walls of your arteries (atherosclerosis). These deposits (plaques) can reduce blood flow through your arteries, which can cause complications, such as:
Chest pain. If the arteries that supply your heart with blood (coronary arteries) are affected, you might have chest pain (angina) and other symptoms of coronary artery disease.
Heart attack. If plaques tear or rupture, a blood clot can form at the plaque-rupture site — blocking the flow of blood or breaking free and plugging an artery downstream. If blood flow to part of your heart stops, you’ll have a heart attack.
Stroke. Similar to a heart attack, a stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to part of your brain.
Prevention
The same heart-healthy lifestyle changes that can lower your cholesterol can help prevent you from having high cholesterol in the first place. To help prevent high cholesterol, you can:
Eat a low-salt diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Limit the number of animal fats and use good fats in moderation
Lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight
Quit smoking
Exercise on most days of the week for at least 30 minutes