Cholesterol is present in every cell in your body and is necessary for certain body functions. Too much cholesterol, though, is a serious condition. Two types of cholesterol are in the body. Low-density lipoprotein---bad cholesterol---can build up in the arteries, while high-density lipoprotein---good cholesterol---helps rid the body of the bad cholesterol. Ideally, total blood cholesterol levels should be less than 200 mg/dL, according to the American Heart Association. HDL levels should be at least 60 mg/dL to protect against heart disease, while LDL levels should be less than 100 mg/dL. High cholesterol levels typically do not present noticeable symptoms until levels are extremely high. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends that people older than 20 have their cholesterol checked at least every five years.
Atherosclerosis
High blood-cholesterol levels can cause atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits cause arteries to harden and become blocked. Atherosclerosis itself typically does not cause symptoms, but some people may experience leg pain while walking or running if arteries in the legs are affected, according to the Hershey Medical Center at Penn State University.
Heart Attack
High cholesterol significantly increases your risk for suffering a heart attack, and for some people having a heart attack is the first sign that they have high cholesterol. Signs of a heart attack include chest pain, pain that radiates to the arms and back, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and light-headedness, according to MedlinePlus.
Xanthomas
When cholesterol levels are extremely high, deposits of the fatty substance can be left under the skin and in the tendons, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These deposits, called xanthomas, are soft to the touch and can be yellowish. The most common locations for xanthomas are the hands, feet, knees, elbows, joints and buttocks. A xanthoma of the eyelid---called xanthelasma palpebra---does not necessarily indicate elevated cholesterol levels. While associated with high cholesterol, xanthomas can also be an indication of cancer, diabetes and a type of cirrhosis, MedlinePlus reports.
Abdominal Pain
In extreme cases of high cholesterol, a person can develop pancreatitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, abdominal pain is a common medical complaint and is not alone a sign of high cholesterol. Also, pancreatitis can develop even in people with healthy cholesterol levels.
Enlarged Organs
When cholesterol levels are high, they can cause abdominal organs such as the spleen and liver to become enlarged, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While this enlargement is not typically physically apparent, your doctor may detect the problem when palpating the abdomen during a physical exam.
