It is almost impossible to judge high cholesterol [1] visually or by touch. For a long time, you do not even suspect an excess in the blood of a substance that slowly destroys the body. First, “bad” cholesterol sticks to the walls of blood vessels and then grows to fatty plaques that block the path for blood flow.
We are used to associating high cholesterol with its worst effects – heart attacks and strokes. But we rarely associate it with any less threatening conditions of our body. Let’s take a look at exactly how high cholesterol affects daily life.
The symptoms of excess cholesterol are most pronounced against the background of atherosclerosis. This disease is the result of the formation of cholesterol seals lining the walls and lumen of blood vessels. Here are the characteristic signs of high cholesterol, which we advise you to pay attention to first of all:
Indigestion and heaviness
The imbalance in LDL cholesterol [2] levels becomes a strong trigger of episodes of heaviness and indigestion. Excess lipids in the liver and blood affect metabolism, preventing a good digestive process, especially when consuming very fatty foods.
Excess weight
In itself, being overweight is not a reason to unequivocally suspect you have excess cholesterol. However, up to 70% of overweight people [3] have serious cholesterol problems, as well as the associated “bouquet” of endocrine and metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity. Each new kilogram only increases the concentration of low-density lipids in the blood – the very “bad” cholesterol. The heart and blood vessels begin to work furiously, trying to supply oxygen to the additional body mass. A dangerous situation arises – the clogged vessels become a time bomb.