What Are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol Levels?

Cholesterol is a waxylike substance that is produced in the liver. It is needed to manufacture vitamin D, to make certain hormones, to construct cell walls and to produce bile salts that are necessary to digest fat. The body does produce sufficient cholesterol, and, because cholesterol is found in so many foods, it is easy for the body to get more than it needs. Too much cholesterol can be the pathway to many heart and health problems.

Significance

• High-cholesterol levels can be dangerous to your health. A high-cholesterol level puts a person at increased risk for coronary heart disease, other blood-related disorders and a plethora of health problems.

Warnings

• High cholesterol is more commonly seen in men 55 years of age and younger and in women over the age of 55 years. The threat of high cholesterol increases with age.

Symptoms

• Physical symptoms of cholesterol are actually quite rare, which is exactly why regular monitoring is imperative. High-cholesterol levels are predominately identified by a blood test.

Elevated Cholesterol Levels

• High-cholesterol levels are often a precursor to some serious disorders and diseases, including hypertension, vascular disease and gallstones. These disease will produce physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing, stomach distress, chest pain and vision problems.

Skin Changes

• Extremely high levels of cholesterol may show up in the skin around the eyes and is referred to as xanthelasma. This is apparent by a yellowish cluster most often on the eyelids. It should be noted that xanthelasma is a hereditary trait and may or may not be indicative of high cholesterol.

Prevention/Solution

• Because the warning signs of high cholesterol are vague and unusual, regular checkups and prevention are necessary. Often, when high cholesterol manifests, it can show up quickly and treacherously as angina or a heart attack.