Blood contains a waxy substance called cholesterol. The body requires cholesterol for healthy cells to develop, but high cholesterol levels can result in heart attacks and strokes.

When you have high cholesterol, you are more likely to develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Over time, these deposits accumulate, making it harder to flow enough blood through your arteries. A clot can form when those deposits break suddenly, causing a heart attack or stroke.

What Are the Signs of High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol usually does not cause any symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.

In many cases, it is a hidden risk factor, meaning we may not know until it is too late. That's why getting your cholesterol levels checked is so important.

In some cases, however, high cholesterol may be visible if you have familial hypercholesterolemia. These may include:

• Tendon xanthomata: The back of your ankles or the knuckles of your hands can get swellings made from cholesterol. 

• Xanthelasmas: The inner corner of your eye may be swollen with small, yellow lumps of cholesterol called xanthelasmas. 

• Corneal Acrus: There is a ring of pale white tissue around the colored part of your eye called the iris, which is around the cornea. 

• Cholesterol levels are often high in obese or diabetic people.
• Too much blood cholesterol can cause impotence in men.

When to See a Doctor

An individual's first cholesterol screening should take place between the ages of 9 and 11, and then every five years afterward.

Women ages 55 to 65 and men ages 45 to 65 should undergo cholesterol screenings every one to two years, according to the NHLBI. An annual cholesterol test is recommended for people over 65.

Your doctor may suggest more frequent measurements if your results aren't satisfactory. Furthermore, your physician may recommend more frequent tests if you have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

FAQs

What Are the Warning Signs of High Cholesterol?

Most people do not experience any symptoms of high cholesterol until it becomes an emergency situation. Having high levels of LDL cholesterol can only be detected via a blood test.

How to Reduce Cholesterol Naturally?

You can reduce the cholesterol naturally by using these:

• Beans
• Nuts
• Vegetable oil
• Oats