High cholesterol, characterized by excess lipids in the blood, can lead to serious health issues such as blocked arteries, heart attacks, and strokes.
Common symptoms of high cholesterol include yellowish deposits around the eyes, known as xanthelasmas, indicating dangerous cholesterol levels.
Chest pain, often associated with heart attacks, can also signal high levels of LDL cholesterol due to compromised blood flow from clogged arteries.
Shortness of breath may indicate elevated cholesterol levels, as the heart struggles to pump blood through blocked arteries.
Numbness in hands and feet can result from poor circulation caused by cholesterol buildup, signaling the need for improved cardiovascular health.
High blood pressure often accompanies high cholesterol, as the heart exerts more pressure to pump blood through narrowed arteries.
A lipid panel blood test is the standard method for diagnosing high cholesterol, measuring total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.