Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy, fat-like substance within the body. There are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is sometimes referred to as "bad" cholesterol, while HDL is "good" cholesterol. High blood cholesterol usually increases with age, is often hereditary and requires a blood test to diagnose, as there are virtually no signs or symptoms. Nonetheless, there are several cholesterol conditions.
Atherosclerosis
High blood cholesterol will not have any symptoms, and many are unaware of its presence. However, the buildup of cholesterol, or plaque, can narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow. Over time, the arteries will harden, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. This high cholesterol condition can affect any artery within the body, including those in the heart, brain, arms, legs and pelvis. Because of this abnormal buildup and restricted blood flow, many additional diseases can emerge. Limiting fat intake, especially saturated fat, can help reduce high blood cholesterol.
Angina
Angina develops when high blood cholesterol congests artery passageways, causing chest pain or discomfort due to the heart muscle's lack of blood. Angina sufferers will feel a pressure or squeezing pain within the chest, according to MedlinePlus, although there may also be pain in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back. There are three types of angina--stable, unstable and variant. According to MayoClinic.com, stable angina is when symptoms appear when the heart is working faster and harder like during exercise, lasts a relatively short time, will feel similar to indigestion and may be triggered by mental or emotional stress. Unstable angina is a medical emergency with symptoms occurring at rest, unexpected, lasts longer than 30 minutes and may even be the first signs of a heart attack. Variant angina is often less severe, although it will occur while resting, but responds well to medication, MayoClinic.com says.
Carotid and Peripheral Arterial Disease
Carotid artery disease is a condition that develops due to plaque buildup within the arteries from high blood cholesterol. The carotid arteries are the main pathways that supply blood to the brain and are on either side of the neck. When not enough oxygen-rich blood reaches the brain due to restricted blood flow, sufferers may experience a stroke. Peripheral arterial disease is when this same blood flow restrictions occurs in the major arteries in the legs, arms and pelvis. Symptoms of carotid complications include sudden numbness or weakness, slurred or garbled speech and sudden blindness, according to MayoClinic.com. Peripheral arterial disease will exhibit signs of painful cramping in the thigh or calf muscles, leg numbness or weakness, coldness in the lower leg or foot, a color change in the legs, erectile dysfunction or sores on the toes, feet and legs that won't heal.
