6 Signs That You May Have High Cholesterol

You’ve probably heard about the dangers of cholesterol, but do you know what it actually is? Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in each cell of our body and the blood as well. It’s produced by the liver and procured through food, and is vital for our overall well-being. First of all, it assists in the creation of cellular membranes and the formation of adrenal hormones. Without cholesterol, we wouldn’t be able to synthesize vitamin D as well, a nutrient that is important for our bones as well as many body functions.

However, if you let cholesterol accumulate in the body, it can have unforeseen consequences on your health. For one, it raises the risk of atherosclerosis, a deadly cardiovascular condition which is often fatal. There are many factors that can increase the risk of cholesterol accumulation including liver disease, diabetes, thyroid problems and genetics. Whatever the reason is, you’ll need to reduce the levels of cholesterol as soon as possible.

Regular testing is the best way of keeping your cholesterol levels intact. Experts recommend testing for LDL and HDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides as well. Don’t be worried, though – keeping your cholesterol levels in check is possible with the help of a few lifestyle and diet changes. Paying attention to the signs of high cholesterol is also important and can tell you if you need to take action.

Here are the 6 main signs of high cholesterol:

Yellowish shade in your eyelids

If the inside of your eyelids has suddenly turned yellowish, you may be suffering from high cholesterol. In this case, we suggest visiting a doctor and getting to the root of the problem before it’s too late.

Gray-colored rings around the corneas

Gray-colored rings in your eyes are a sign of aging and a sign of cholesterol accumulation as well. They are usually an indication of an increased risk of stroke and heart attack, so make sure to visit a doctor before things get serious.

Tingling in the limbs

If your arms and legs are often tingling, you need to check your cholesterol levels. When your blood vessels are blocked by cholesterol, the peripheral nerves don’t get the proper level of oxygen they require, resulting in the tingling.

Pain in the back of the head and neck

Once cholesterol blocks your arteries, it will obstruct your circulation as well. Impaired circulation in the neck and back will lead to shoulder, neck and back pain. Experts say that frequent sudden headaches may be a sign of high cholesterol levels and should be checked out by a doctor.

Rapid and pounding heart rhythm

Heart palpitations are harmless and normal after exercise or frequent physical activity. However, if you experience them all of a sudden, you should be concerned. They can be a sign of high cholesterol and serious cardiovascular problems, which is why you need to get to a doctor ASAP.

Unhealthy lifestyle and poor diet

Eating plenty of unhealthy foods often, smoking and alcohol abuse are the 3 big factors for high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol also depends on our genes – about 1 in 500 people are genetically predisposed to high cholesterol, and will experience it regardless of their lifestyle.