Symptoms of high cholesterol
Symptoms of high cholesterol are usually silent. If you have elevated levels, it is often a secret until you have a blood test.
You can't 'feel' high cholesterol swirling through your system, and for this reason most people don't experience any symptoms at all.
 That is why it's very important to have a regular cholesterol check if you fall into a high risk group for cardiovascular disease, or if you are aged over 45, as recommended by the National Heart Foundation of Australia.
(Please note: the American Heart Association recommends that adults over 20 have their cholesterol checked).
The few signs and symptoms that may be linked with high cholesterol include: - Cholesterol deposits (known as xanthomas) - generally found on the knees, elbows and buttocks
The following symptoms are related to decreased blood flow caused by cholesterol deposits narrowing the arteries:- Chest pain (note - this can also be a symptom of a heart attack!
- Dizziness (again - this can also be a symptom of a heart attack or stroke!)
- Muscle pain/fatigue - most commonly in the calves, also known as intermittent claudication
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
By the time you experience any of these symptoms of high cholesterol, you may be at a much greater risk of heart disease and stroke because the fatty deposits on your arteries, caused by atherosclerosis, have already started to restrict blood flow quite severely.
It is important to discuss these high cholesterol symptoms with your Doctor if you experience any of them.
Heart Attack Sadly, many people first discover that they have high cholesterol after a heart attack or stroke. The signs and symptoms of a heart attack include: - Chest pain
- Pain in other sites e.g. jaw, left arm
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Nausea
Stroke A stroke can occur when there is interrupted blood supply to the brain. It can happen due to blocked blood vessels or bleeding from a burst blood vessel to the brain. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of a stroke, which include:- Weakness of face/arm/leg on one side of the body (most common sign
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Trouble seeing
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Losing balance
There is a quick way of determining whether a person has had a stroke, its called the 'FAST' test:
Face - is it lopsided? see if the person can smile
Arms - see if the person can raise both arms. Does one drop, or not lift properly
Speech - does the person slur their words? does their speech sound unusual?
Time - call for immediate assistance and get the person to hospital. Don't wait!
For more information about avoiding a heart attack or stroke, visit the World Health Organisation website
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