Heart disease, heart attack and stroke can all occur as a result of high cholesterol, which has no symptoms. The medical conditions that high cholesterol can cause do have signs and symptoms -- numbness and tingling may indicate a stroke. Understanding the connection between high cholesterol and stroke, knowing why a stroke occurs and learning how to lower your cholesterol may help prevent this and other cholesterol-related complications from developing.
High Cholesterol Defined
Cholesterol, a substance your liver produces naturally to create hormones and build cells, is good for you in healthy amounts. Once these levels enter the danger zone -- 160 mg/dl or more -- you are at risk for heart disease, heart attack and stroke, says MayoClinic.com. High cholesterol contributes to the development of plaque, a substance that builds along the walls of your arteries, blocking blood flow to your heart and brain. The lower your cholesterol, the lower your risk of plaque buildup.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the condition resulting in plaque buildup. High cholesterol is a major contributor, along with fatty deposits, calcium, cellular waste products and additional waste from your blood, says the American Heart Association. Plaque causes damage in two ways. The buildup makes it harder for blood to flow through your arteries to your heart and brain. The larger danger occurs when the plaque ruptures, resulting in the formation of blood clots that completely block blood flow. This is when your risk of heart attack and stroke is the highest.
Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease is the result of blocked blood flow to your brain due to plaque or blood clot formation in your carotid arteries, your blood's passageway to your brain. This disease progresses slowly over a period of time, presenting no symptoms until a ministroke or full-blown stroke occurs. Sudden numbness affecting one side of the body is a common symptom, along with confusion, blurred vision, problems speaking or understanding another, dizziness, loss of coordination and a severe headache, says the National Stroke Association.
Prevention
Preventing numbness and tingling due to a stroke resulting from high cholesterol is fairly easy but requires a full commitment from you. Dietary and lifestyle changes are the first step in lowering your cholesterol and improving your health. Consuming high amounts of saturated fats will increase your cholesterol levels quickly. Primary sources are animal products such as red meat and dairy. Limit your intake to less than 10 percent of your daily calories, says MayoClinic.com. Create a diet focusing on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These are high in fiber, which can absorb excess cholesterol in your intestines and flush it from your body. Replace the red meat in your diet with heart-healthy fish, such as tuna, cod, salmon and halibut. These contain omega-3 fatty acids, a healthy fat that lowers your cholesterol. Most importantly, exercise a minimum of 30 minutes each day. The activity will strengthen your heart and decrease your cholesterol simultaneously.
