High cholesterol or hyperlipidemia can cause fatty deposits in the blood vessels that may eventually stiffen and narrow the arteries, hindering the flow of blood. This can lead to high blood pressure or hypertension as well as heart disease or stroke. MayoClinic.com notes that both high cholesterol and high blood pressure typically do not cause symptoms until they have caused damage in the body after a long period of time. A blood test is often the only way to detect high cholesterol levels, while in some cases, high blood pressure can cause some warning signs. It is important to test for these indicators of disease particularly if someone has a family history of heart disease and stroke or has other risk factors such as smoking and diabetes.
Eye Signs
Arcus senilis is a sign of high cholesterol that may be visible in the eyes. Also known as arcus cornealis, it appears as a gray or white circular arc or ring around the cornea, the clear domed covering of the eye. Arcus senilis is common in older adults and is caused by fat or lipid deposits in the eye. Though it does not cause symptoms or affect vision, it can indicate that the individual has high cholesterol and high triglycerides in the blood. However, it is important to note that not everyone with high cholesterol will have the presence of arcus senilis.
Headache Pain
In some individuals, headache pain can indicate high blood pressure that occurs as a dull to severe, throbbing pain. High blood pressure damages and hardens the walls of the arteries and leads to fatty plaque deposits in the blood vessels. MayoClinic.com explains that this leads to a disease called atherosclerosis that can reduce the flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the heart, brain and body.
Stroke
Individuals with high and uncontrolled blood pressure can experience symptoms of a stroke, such as weakness in one or more areas of the body, dizziness, confusion, difficulty speaking and sudden, severe headache pain. A stroke or ischemic attack can occur when a blood clot or narrowing of an artery blocks blood flow to the brain. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that strokes are the most common cause of disability in the U.S.
Heart Attack
Atherosclerosis or narrowing of the arteries due to fatty plaque build up can be caused by high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The Cleveland Clinic notes that this can lead to a heart attack if the coronary arteries to the heart become damaged and narrowed thereby disrupting blood flow. Symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, neck or jaw pain and tingling or numbness in the arm.
Kidney Failure
Chronic high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels may also affect the blood vessels of the kidney causing decreased function and even kidney failure. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute warns that this leads to decreased excretion of waste products and symptoms such as bloating and swelling of the body.
