Increasing bad cholesterol in the body increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Learn about areas of the body where pain may be a sign of high cholesterol.
High Cholesterol Symptoms: High cholesterol problem has become common nowadays due to bad lifestyle and improper diet. When the level of LDL, or ‘bad’, cholesterol increases in the body, it starts to build up as plaque in the blood vessels. This leads to impaired blood circulation and narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart and brain. People often ignore the early signs as normal, but according to experts, pain in these vital parts of the body can be a serious warning sign of high cholesterol and heart disease.
Pain in these parts of the body is a sign of high cholesterol
Chest pain and heaviness: Due to fatty deposits in the arteries, there is not enough oxygen and blood reaching the heart. This condition causes severe pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest, which can be an early symptom of a heart attack.
Leg pain and swelling: When a blockage occurs in the arteries of the lower limbs, blood flow to the legs is reduced. This causes excruciating pain, tingling, heaviness and swelling in the legs while walking. In medical parlance this is called peripheral artery disease.
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Arm pain and weakness: A blockage in the blood vessels in the hand causes constant pain, weakness or tingling in the hand. Pain especially in the left arm indicates a blockage in the arteries leading to the heart.
Neck, jaw and back pain: High cholesterol increases the pressure on the heart, so that the chest pain does not just stay in one place but spreads to the neck, jaw and upper back or shoulders. Jaw pain, especially in women, can be an indirect symptom of heart problems.
Frequent headaches: High cholesterol affects the arteries leading to the brain. Reduced blood flow to the brain can lead to frequent severe headaches or migraines, which increase the risk of a future brain stroke.
Knee Pain: Impaired blood circulation around the joints can cause knee pain and stiffness. Many people mistake this for joint pain or arthritis, but it can also be a symptom of cholesterol.
Important Advice: If you often find such symptoms in your body, do not ignore them at all. Get a lipid profile test done immediately and consult a doctor. Cholesterol can be controlled with proper diet, regular exercise and medical treatment.
