Understanding High Cholesterol The Silent Threat to Heart Health

High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it typically doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms but significantly increases the risk of serious health issues, including heart attacks and strokes. This condition results from excessive amounts of cholesterol, a fatty substance, accumulating in the bloodstream. Over time, cholesterol can build up in the arteries, creating blockages that impede blood flow.

This build-up is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which remains the leading cause of death globally, claiming nearly 18 million lives each year. In the United Kingdom, cardiovascular disease accounts for about a quarter of all deaths, underscoring the widespread impact of heart-related illnesses.

The stealthy nature of high cholesterol adds to its danger, as many people live with the condition without knowing it until they face a medical emergency that brings it to light. The only way to detect high cholesterol before it leads to such emergencies is through a blood test, which the National Health Service (NHS) recommends since the condition itself does not present clear symptoms.

Despite the general lack of symptoms, there are some crucial warning signs associated with complications of high cholesterol that should not be ignored. One such sign is the onset of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition characterized by a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries that can severely restrict blood flow to the leg muscles. The NHS highlights the importance of recognizing the symptoms of PAD as they can indicate escalating risks requiring urgent medical attention.

Again it doesn’t always display symptoms. But it can cause signs that appear in the legs.

Six such signs, as listed by the NHS, are:

• A painful ache in the legs
• Hair loss
• Numbness or weakness
• Ulcers (open sores) on your legs, which do not heal
• Changing the skin color on your legs, such as turning paler than usual or blue
• The muscles in your legs shrinking (wasting).

Hair loss and ulcers could also appear on the feet. “The symptoms of PAD often develop slowly, over time,” the health body says.

The most recognizable symptom of PAD is a painful cramping in the legs induced by walking, known as claudication. This pain typically subsides after a few minutes of resting. The discomfort can vary from mild to severe and often affects both legs simultaneously, though it might be more pronounced in one leg. Other symptoms of PAD include skin on the legs that appears shiny and difficulties with erectile function.

The presence of PAD also heightens the risk of developing coronary heart disease, the most deadly form of cardiovascular disease in the UK. Recognizing and treating PAD not only addresses immediate discomfort but also reduces the risk of more severe cardiovascular complications.

If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels you should speak to your doctor.

To lower your cholesterol levels the NHS recommends:

• Eating less fatty food
• Eating a healthy balanced diet
• Exercising more
• Stopping smoking
• Cutting back on alcohol.

For those concerned about high cholesterol and its potential complications, regular screenings and consultations with a healthcare provider are essential. Early detection through blood tests can lead to interventions that significantly lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Lifestyle changes such as diet adjustments, regular exercise, and, if necessary, medication can help manage cholesterol levels effectively, providing a crucial defense against the silent threat of hypercholesterolemia.