Do you continue to experience issues with increased cholesterol? For you, is that a silent killer?
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in foods of animal origin, while it’s essential for various bodily functions. But High cholesterol is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it typically doesn’t exhibit overt symptoms until it leads to serious health problems like heart disease or stroke. However, there can be subtle signs that indicate elevated cholesterol levels:
- Chest pain or angina: Excessive cholesterol can cause plaque to accumulate in your arteries, limiting the amount of blood that reaches your heart muscle. Angina, a type of chest pain or discomfort, may result from this.
- Numbness or weakness: Circulation can be impacted by cholesterol accumulation, which can reduce blood flow and cause numbness or weakness, particularly in the extremities.
- Xanthelasma or yellowish deposits around the eyes: Cholesterol deposits beneath the skin that frequently show up as yellowish patches close to the inner corners of the eyelids.
- Tendon xanthomas or swollen or painful tendons: Disorder caused by high cholesterol. These lumps of cholesterol occur under the skin, usually around tendons in the hands, elbows, knees, or ankles.
- Gallstones: The development of gallstones, which can cause acute, severe upper abdominal pain, can be facilitated by elevated cholesterol levels.
- Breathlessness: Shortness of breath may be brought on by reduced blood supply to the heart as a result of cholesterol accumulation, particularly during physical exertion.
- Vision issues: A buildup of cholesterol in the blood arteries supplying the eyes can cause issues with vision, including temporary blindness in one eye or blurred vision.
Yes, high cholesterol can indeed be considered a “silent killer” in the sense that it often develops without obvious symptoms and can lead to serious health complications if left unchecked. It silently contributes to the narrowing and hardening of arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems over time. Monitoring cholesterol levels through regular health check-ups and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent its silent progression and reduce the risk of associated health issues.
Here are some common foods that contain cholesterol:
- Meats from animals: Pork, beef, lamb, and poultry, particularly those with skin, are high in cholesterol. Liver is one of the meats with the highest cholesterol content.
- Eggs: The yolks contain a lot of cholesterol. Even though eggs are a healthy food, those who have high cholesterol may choose to restrict their consumption or concentrate on egg whites.
- Dairy goods: Full-fat dairy products, such as cheese, butter, cream, and whole milk, contain cholesterol. Choosing dairy products that are fat-free or low-fat will help you consume less cholesterol.
- Shellfish: A diet rich in cholesterol can include shrimp, lobster, crab, and other shellfish. They can be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, though, as they are also low in saturated fat.
- Processed foods: Due to the addition of fats and oils, some processed meals, including fried foods, baked products produced with hydrogenated oils, and commercially prepared snacks and sweets, may have elevated cholesterol levels.
It is significant to remember that blood cholesterol levels can be influenced by a variety of factors, not just dietary cholesterol. Dietary fiber, trans fats, and saturated fats all have important functions. Limiting saturated and trans fats and placing an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats like those found in avocados, nuts, and seeds are the main components of a heart-healthy diet. Speaking with a medical expert or certified dietician can help you manage your food and lifestyle if you’re worried about your cholesterol levels.