Overlooked signs of high cholesterol: The silent symptom striking busy lives

It's a contributing factor to severe diseases and conditions—from issues with the circulatory system to atherosclerosis and even stroke or heart attack. A symptom signal is often underestimated. How can you recognize high cholesterol levels and understand what it entails?

This inconspicuous symptom of high cholesterol is usually attributed to excessive responsibilities, insufficient sleep, or carrying a few extra pounds. It can also be experienced by those who lead a fast-paced life or have physically demanding jobs. Indeed, whilst these may contribute, the symptom can signal something more concerning.

High cholesterol worsens the condition of the circulatory system, leading to the development or occurrence of severe diseases and even death. Why is it called the "silent killer"? Well, it acts unnoticed. Its symptoms can be barely noticeable or confused with other ailments. One symptom is often dismissed as overwork, lack of sleep, or even thyroid diseases.

If you experience a decrease in motivation, a reluctance towards life, and general fatigue and weakness, do not ignore it. Test your blood cholesterol level. While the causes of such conditions can vary and may not indicate anything serious, it's worth checking. If you also struggle with being overweight, there's no time to delay. Another symptom is a decrease in concentration and memory issues. Surprisingly, such distraction is a symptom of high cholesterol.

Other symptoms of high cholesterol can also catch you off guard. A hallmark is characteristic yellowish thickenings on the eyelids, elbows, or under the breast, and nodules on wrist tendons and the Achilles tendon. You may also notice the skin on your feet becoming tightly stretched and shiny. When cholesterol levels exceed the norm, blood flow in the limbs is significantly disturbed, leading to chronic leg pain.

High cholesterol is something that absolutely must not be underestimated. Untreated, it can lead to death from cardiovascular diseases. It's also one of the most common causes of death in Poland. Knowing what it signals allows for timely reaction. Those particularly at risk include people over the age of 30, smokers, and those who are overweight. If you're at risk, changing habits is essential. In the fight against high cholesterol, drinking alcohol, eating a fatty diet, and little physical activity are certainly not beneficial.