Cholesterol is the ingredient in tissue and blood cells that allow hormones, vitamin D, digestion and cell membranes to synthesize. Cholesterol is carried through the body by lipoproteins. Good cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins (HDL) moves cholesterol through the arteries and the liver where they are metabolized. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are called bad cholesterol because high levels of LDL can block arteries and cause heart disease, stroke and vascular problems.
Silent
High cholesterol often is called the silent killer because there are no obvious symptoms of the condition. High cholesterol levels typically are discovered through physicals and blood tests. Regular measurement of cholesterol is an important preventive tool used to fight heart disease. Since high cholesterol is more common in people who are overweight and obese, they should receive regular cholesterol testing before a major symptom appears.
Appearance
High cholesterol, in and of itself does not usually provoke symptoms that are easily recognizable until major damage has already occurred to the heart and arteries. Early warning signs of impending complications can be recognized in the tendons and thin skin areas underneath the eyes. High levels of cholesterol can be deposited in pockets under the eyes and appear as bags or excessive puffiness. High triglyceride levels, which are carried through the body by cholesterol, are usually tied to abnormal cholesterol levels. When triglycerides reach unhealthy levels, they also can form nodules underneath thin skin at the back of the knees and elbows and appear as yellowish bumps.
Angina
Angina is the most common symptom in people with high cholesterol levels, report doctors at the Johns Hopkins Institute. Blocked arteries prevent proper blood flow to the heart, causing the coronary heart disease called angina. Physical symptoms include pressure on the chest or chest pains that radiate down the arms, shoulders and neck. Shortness of breath often accompanies an attack of angina and patients may have heart palpitations, weakness and nausea.
Stroke
A stroke may ensue with no warning when cholesterol levels remain high. Patients typically become confused, dizzy and off balance. Weakness or numbness may appear in the arms and hands.
Slow Healing
When high cholesterol levels have created vascular disease, patients are very slow to heal when they are hurt or cut in the extremities. Pain, weakness and coldness are common symptoms that occur in the feet and legs as a result of vascular blockages. Circulation becomes compromised leading to other complications such as gangrene. Those with high cholesterol levels should be checked for peripheral damage to the feet and legs on a regular basis.
