High cholesterol is a dangerous condition because it makes you more prone to a variety of health problems over time. High cholesterol causes no symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com, so shakiness is a sign of another condition even if your blood cholesterol level is high. Your cholesterol should be monitored through regular blood tests, and you should discuss shakiness with your doctor to pinpoint the actual cause and determine if it needs treatment.
Shakiness Causes
Feeling shaky does not mean your cholesterol is high, but shakiness is associated with a number of other health conditions. For example, you may feel shaky if you have low blood sugar, thyroid problems or an anxiety disorder. Your doctor should evaluate you if you are feeling shaky and do not already have a diagnosed condition that could cause the shakiness. Note any other symptoms that happen at the same time as the shaky feeling, as this helps your physician narrow down the possible cause. For example, anxiety-related shakiness is usually accompanied by panicked feelings, muscle tension, shortness of breath and a pounding heart.
High Cholesterol Causes
High cholesterol may be genetic, but many lifestyle factors increase your risk of developing elevated cholesterol levels. MayoClinic.com cites smoking, being overweight, eating a fatty diet and not getting enough exercise as common causes. Certain health problems, like diabetes and high blood pressure, also make you more likely to have high cholesterol. Diabetes can also indirectly cause shakiness if you take too much medication and your blood sugar level drops too low.
Cholesterol Treatment
Initial high cholesterol treatment consists of an exercise plan and dietary changes. Cholesterol-lowering plans usually include regular physical activity for at least 30 to 60 minutes each day and a diet low in fats and high in grains, fish, vegetables and fruits. Your doctor may prescribe a cholesterol-lowering drug if your lifestyle changes do not lower your cholesterol to a healthy level.
Shakiness Treatment
The root cause of your shakiness needs treatment in order to stop the symptom. Medical conditions associated with shakiness can usually be controlled with medication or proper diet. Shakiness caused by an anxiety disorder requires lifestyle changes, counseling, medication or a combination approach. Lifestyle changes include identifying and dealing with common stressors and making time for relaxation every day, according to HelpGuide.org. Talk to a doctor or counselor if your self-help efforts do not stop the shakiness and other symptoms, as you may need therapy or medication.
References
- MayoClinic.com; High Cholesterol Symptoms; June 2011
- Sentry Health Monitors: Glucose Control Dangers
- The Hormone Foundation; Thyroid Problems; March 2008
- MayoClinic.com; High Cholesterol Risk Factors; June 2011
- MayoClinic.com; High Cholesterol Treatment and Drugs; June 2011
- HelpGuide.org: Anxiety Attacks and Disorders
