Four Common Warning Signs Of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol can be extremely dangerous and often life-threatening. When detected and treated, high cholesterol can be controlled and, in many cases, reversed. However, most patients with high cholesterol exhibit no symptoms until they experience a medical emergency. Without a doubt, the best way to determine if you have high cholesterol is to be evaluated by a physician. At Blue Elk Family Clinic, experienced provider Dr. Larry Sanchez understands the complex and serious nature of this condition and helps men and women lower their risk of serious health complications with the early detection, treatment, and management of high cholesterol in Nashville, IN. Keep reading to learn more about what potential warning signs or risk factors for high cholesterol you should keep an eye out for and find out what treatment options you may have.

What does it mean if you have high cholesterol?

Cholesterol, which is a naturally occurring and necessary substance, helps to control many of the body’s natural processes. There are two different kinds of cholesterol, known as HDL and LDL. Some people refer to HDL as “good” cholesterol and LDL as “bad” cholesterol. While there is more to it than that, it is a helpful tool in remembering that having a high HDL and a low LDL is ideal. Patients whose HDL is too low and/or LDL is too high have a dramatically increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.

How do you get high cholesterol?

In some cases, elevated cholesterol is heredity, though most patients with high cholesterol develop the condition as a result of diet and lifestyle choices.

What are the symptoms of high cholesterol?

Unfortunately, patients with elevated cholesterol typically show no specific symptoms or warning signs. However, there are certain risk factors that may make a person more likely to have or develop high cholesterol. Four of the most common risk factors for high cholesterol include:

Family history of elevated cholesterol
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Diet high in saturated fats and trans fats

Because high cholesterol often leads to heart attack or stroke, it is also important to keep an eye out for the early signs of these emergencies, which may include:

Fatigue
Nausea
Shoulder/arm pain
Chest pain/angina
Shortness of breath
Vision problems
Slurring speech
Dizziness
Vertigo

Still, the only definitive way to confirm a diagnosis of elevated cholesterol is to undergo a blood test with your physician.

How is elevated cholesterol treated?

Because there are often a number of factors contributing to a patient’s high cholesterol levels, it is important to take a well-rounded approach to treatment. Following an initial consultation, during which time Dr. Sanchez will draw blood work, discuss your symptoms, and review your medical records and history, he will recommend the most appropriate course of treatment for you. Most commonly, elevated cholesterol is treated or managed with some combination of the following:

Dietary changes
Lifestyle modifications (increased physical activity)
Medications

With proper management and monitoring, patients with elevated cholesterol can greatly reduce their risk of heart disease and live a full, healthy life.

High cholesterol can be a silent problem. Lower your risk with cholesterol testing and treatment in Nashville, IN

Elevated cholesterol is one of the few conditions that often goes undetected until there is an emergency. Don’t wait until it’s too late to find out if you have high cholesterol. Call Blue Elk Family Clinic in Nashville, IN to schedule your one-on-one consultation with award-winning provider Dr. Larry Sanchez today, and take the first step toward safeguarding your future with a cholesterol evaluation.