Signs You Have A High Cholesterol

1. You’ve got REALLY awful breath

Bad breath isn’t just about what you had for lunch. When your cholesterol levels are high, it can lead to a condition called halitosis. Excessive cholesterol in your bloodstream can affect your saliva composition, creating an environment where bacteria thrive. The result? Unpleasant breath that might linger, no matter how diligent you are with your dental hygiene.

2. You’ve already got diabetes

Your body may be signaling that something is off if you find yourself constantly reaching for a glass of water. Excessive thirst can be a symptom of diabetes. When blood sugar levels are elevated, your body tries to flush out the excess sugar through increased urination, leading to dehydration and an unquenchable thirst.

3. High blood pressure is linked with high cholesterol!

When you have high cholesterol, it can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries. This makes them narrower and less flexible. So, this means that your heart has to work harder to pump blood through these narrowed arteries, causing an increase in blood pressure!

4. You can't handle the balancing act

Try the standing-on-one-leg test, is it very difficult? Again, it’s not a symptom that springs to mind when you think about the effects of high cholesterol – but it is a real consequence! Co-ordination can be subtly affected by your health, and by having high cholesterol.

5. You eat a LOT of processed foods

Eating a lot of processed foods, like snacks and fast food, means that you may be consuming an excessive amount of unhealthy fats and sugars that can mess with your cholesterol. These foods might raise the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) in your body – leading you to suffer from high cholesterol.

6. Skin bumps have appeared from nowhere!

These bumps, known as xanthomas, result from the accumulation of cholesterol deposits under the skin. They often appear as yellowish or flesh-colored bumps and can be found on various parts of the body. Xanthomas are more commonly associated with extremely high levels of cholesterol!

7. Sleeping at night is a huge hurdle

Sleep disturbances could be linked to high cholesterol. Cholesterol plays a role in the production of hormones, including those that regulate sleep. Disruptions in cholesterol levels may impact your sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

8. You’re feeling short of breath and you don't know why...

Shortness of breath can be a concerning symptom and you should pay attention to it. High cholesterol can contribute to the formation of plaques in the arteries, limiting oxygen-rich blood flow to the lungs. This can result in difficulty breathing or a feeling of breathlessness.

9. You lack in the exercise department

If you’re not getting much exercise, it could be a sign that your cholesterol levels might be higher than they should be. Regular physical activity helps boost the “good” cholesterol (HDL) in your body and lowers the “bad” cholesterol (LDL) which helps to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol!

10. You get a constant urge to clear your throat... ALL the time!

This persistent urge may be related to the potential impact of high cholesterol on your blood vessels and circulation. Cholesterol deposits can accumulate in the arteries, affecting blood flow not only to the heart but also to other parts of the body, including the throat.

11. You’re always tired... no matter what!

Do you find yourself running out of energy sooner than usual? High cholesterol could be playing a role. It impacts the blood flow to your muscles, causing them to receive less oxygen. This can result in fatigue and a constant feeling of tiredness, even after a good night’s sleep.

12. You keep forgetting your words... it could be a sign!

Some individuals with high cholesterol have reported experiencing difficulties with word recall and verbal fluency. The potential connection lies in the impact of cholesterol on our blood vessels and, consequently, on cognitive functions like our language processing abilities!

13. You have pain in your legs when you walk

One of the more common symptoms tied to high cholesterol is feeling pain in your legs when you walk. When cholesterol levels are too high, it can narrow your arteries, making it tough for blood to flow smoothly. This lack of proper blood flow can lead to pain or cramping in your legs, especially when you walk.

14. You’ve noticed that your body smells bad... really bad

Beyond the usual culprit of sweating, elevated cholesterol levels can play a role in altering the composition of sweat – which can make us smell bad. And, the sebaceous glands, which are closely tied to hair follicles, produce a fatty substance that, when influenced by cholesterol imbalances, can contribute to a shift in the fragrance emitted by our bodies.

15. You feel down and you don't quite know why!

Research suggests a potential link between elevated cholesterol levels and an increased risk of mood disorders. So, if you’ve been feeling consistently down or experiencing a lingering sense of sadness, it might be that you have high levels of cholesterol affecting you.

16. Your nails have yellowed in color...

Changes like yellow discoloration or a noticeable decrease in growth rate may signify an imbalance or underlying issue, such as elevated cholesterol levels. Nails can serve as indicators because they are influenced by factors like blood circulation and nutritional health.

17. You're hot and cold...

When you have consistent moods that change like the wind you may not assume that it could be linked to your physical health. But, high cholesterol can have so many unexpected symptoms, one of these being that you may find your mood is very up and down!

18. Your periods are irregular

For women, irregular menstrual cycles could be a subtle indicator of cholesterol imbalances and high cholesterol. Cholesterol is involved in hormone production, and disruptions in these levels may affect your menstrual cycle in terms of how regular (or not) they are!

19. You’re losing track of time, all the time

Some individuals with high cholesterol have reported experiencing frequent instances of losing track of time and having no concept of what time it is. It seems that elevated cholesterol levels may play a role in affecting how our brain works and our time perception.

20. You’re experiencing chest pain

Chest pain is a red flag that should never be ignored. High cholesterol can lead to the formation of plaques in your arteries, restricting blood flow to your heart. This lack of proper blood supply can then cause you to have chest pain, which is known as angina.

21. You’ve got a cough you just can’t shake

While coughing is not commonly associated with cholesterol issues, recent studies suggest a potential connection. Elevated cholesterol levels may contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress in the airways, possibly leading to a chronic cough that you can’t seem to get rid of!

22. You frequently get back and leg aches

Feeling sore after a workout is one thing, but persistent muscle aches, especially in your legs or back, might be trying to tell you something more. It turns out, that high cholesterol could be sneakily messing with your muscles’ blood supply, causing that unwelcome discomfort.

23. You're gaining weight at a rapid rate!

Changes in cholesterol levels can impact metabolism, potentially leading to increased weight, particularly around the abdomen. If you’re experiencing unexpected weight changes, it’s vital to consider whether elements like diet, exercise, and cholesterol levels have a part to play!

24. You get headaches all the time

Headaches can have various causes, and high cholesterol is one of them. When cholesterol builds up in your blood vessels, it can affect the blood supply to your brain, which can then cause headaches. If you’re experiencing persistent or even severe headaches.

25. Your knees feel sore and creaky

Aching or sore knees, hips, or even fingers may be a sign that you have high cholesterol! Joint pain can be a sign that your cholesterol levels need attention. High cholesterol can contribute to inflammation in the joints, causing pain and discomfort.

26. You're no stranger to the hiccups

Hiccupping can be a very unexpected symptom of high cholesterol. While less common, there is a connection between high cholesterol and persistent hiccups. High cholesterol may contribute to disturbances in the diaphragm, the muscle responsible for breathing and controlling hiccups.

27. You’ve developed yellowish skin patches

Your skin might be trying to tell you something about your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can lead to the formation of yellowish patches (properly known as xanthomas) on various parts of your skin. These deposits are usually found around your eyes, elbows, or knees.

28. Things taste COMPLETELY differently to you now

Have you noticed that foods don’t taste the same way that they used to? Or, there’s a strange taste in your mouth? When you have high cholesterol levels, they might impact the functioning of taste buds and olfactory receptors, affecting the perception of flavors!

29. You’re having trouble focusing

High cholesterol might not only affect your physical health but also your cognitive function. Reduced blood flow to the brain due to cholesterol buildup can result in difficulty concentrating and memory issues. If you find it hard to stay focused or notice changes in your mental clarity, consider checking your cholesterol levels.

30. You get random dizzy spells

Experiencing random dizzy spells could be a sign that your cholesterol levels are elevated. High cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the brain. When the brain doesn’t receive an adequate supply of blood, it can result in dizziness or lightheadedness.

31. Your skin is itchy... a common sign on high cholesterol

Itchy skin can be an annoying symptom, and surprisingly it might be linked to your cholesterol levels. Elevated cholesterol can contribute to the formation of dry skin, making you feel constantly itchy. If you find yourself scratching more than usual, consider having your cholesterol levels checked!

32. You have no idea why, but you’re always irritated

Who knew that our mood could be linked to cholesterol? Cholesterol imbalances can affect the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, influencing mood and behavior and making us a lot less patient. High cholesterol can make you much more irritated than you should feel.

33. Your eyesight’s been struggling more than usual

Your eyes can provide insights into your overall health, including your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can contribute to the development of yellowish deposits on the cornea, known as arcus senilis. And, it may increase the risk of eye conditions that affect blood vessels, which could cause vision problems.

34. You are taking frequent trips to the restroom

Bathroom habits aren’t something to overlook! When you notice that you’re making more trips to the bathroom than usual, high cholesterol might be a factor. Cholesterol buildup in the blood vessels can impact kidney function, leading to increased urine production.

35. You may even be struggling to conceive

High cholesterol can also massively impact your sexual health, affecting blood flow to various parts of the body, including the genital region. As a result, it can be very difficult to conceive, because the entire act is much more difficult with high cholesterol!

36. You’re noticing changes in body hair

Surprisingly, hair loss and hair thinning could be more than an aesthetic concern; there might be a link to cholesterol levels. Imbalances in cholesterol can throw off the delicate dance of blood circulation, influencing the health of hair follicles and causing noticeable shifts in hair growth.

37. Why your libido is so low? We might have the answer...

If you don’t feel the same level of desires as you used to, it’s not something to dismiss as aging or a phase that never ends. It could have a deeper meaning. Having high cholesterol can really impact how you feel, and not feeling in the mood to be physically intimate!

38. You’ve had a stroke in the past... they are linked!

Experiencing a stroke is a serious and concerning event that can be associated with underlying cardiovascular issues, including high cholesterol. A stroke occurs when there is a disruption in blood flow to the brain, often caused by a blocked or ruptured blood vessel!

39. You’re finding it hard to focus on literally ANYTHING

The reduced blood flow and potential formation of plaques in the arteries are caused by high cholesterol. can then contribute to difficulties in concentration and focus. If you’re consistently experiencing challenges in staying attentive or focused, it’s worth having your cholesterol checked out!

40. You’re having difficulty swallowing... your arteries are blocked!!

Difficulty swallowing, which is also known as dysphagia, might be linked to having high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol imbalances can contribute to the formation of plaques in the arteries, impacting blood flow to the muscles involved in swallowing!

41. You’ve noticed your handwriting is shaky - you can't even read it yourself!

Handwriting, or things like drawing or painting, may become more challenging as the fine details and control required could be affected. Your once smooth handwriting may have been replaced by shaky scrawl – and it could all be because you have high cholesterol levels!

42. You can taste metal... this is not normal!

While not a common symptom, some individuals with elevated cholesterol levels have reported a persistent metallic taste. The exact mechanism behind this association is not fully understood, but it could be linked to changes in saliva, created by high cholesterol!

43. You keep forgetting the littlest of things

If you’re having a lot of “I forgot where I put my keys” moments, it might be related to high cholesterol. Turns out, having too much cholesterol floating around can mess with the blood flow to your brain. It can be much harder to remember the things you need to.

44. Your spatial awareness has declined

Spatial awareness relies on the brain’s ability to process information about the body’s position about its surroundings. Reduced blood flow due to cholesterol-related issues may impact this cognitive function, leading to difficulties in spatial awareness.

45. Who said that?! Changes in your voice pitch due to high cholesterol

Have you or anyone around you noticed that you’re sounding a bit different recently? High cholesterol can actually lead to alterations in the way you sound! If you’re noticing this unusual shift in your voice, it’s a good idea to consider checking your cholesterol levels.

46. Your fine motor skills are all of a sudden REALLY bad

When you have high cholesterol one of the unusual effects that you may notice, is subtle, or even not-so-subtle changes to your fine motor skills. Reduced blood flow to extremities can affect nerve function and coordination, meaning once simple tasks are becoming much more difficult.

47. You just can't make a decision!

Usually when you make a decision, even if it’s a difficult decision to make, you are thinking with a clear head. But sometimes, high cholesterol can make it feel like you are trying to make a decision when your mind is murky like you can’t think clearly anymore!

48. You’ve had a heart attack!!

If you’re finding it challenging to carry out precise tasks that require fine motor skills, such as buttoning a shirt or tying shoelaces, it might be related to elevated cholesterol levels. This can lead to difficulties in performing intricate tasks.

49. You have a grey ring around your iris

Another symptom to look out for if you want to find out if you have high cholesterol is a grey ring around your iris. It may have formed when it was never there before. It’s a subtle indicator that your lipid levels are causing some concerns within your body.

50. Your muscles feel achy or painful for no reason

When your muscles start to complain consistently with mysterious aches and pains, it might be worth considering cholesterol as a potential culprit. This silent discomfort could be your body’s way of hinting that you have an underlying cardiovascular problem.

Unexpected Weight Loss

Suddenly dropping pounds without a change in diet or exercise routines? While it might sound welcome, unexplained weight loss can sometimes be tied back to high cholesterol and related metabolic disturbances.

Frequent Indigestion

If you’re often plagued by heartburn or a feeling of indigestion that doesn't seem to be connected to what you eat, consider checking your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can impact your digestive system's normal functioning.

Swelling In Your Limbs

Notice any unusual swelling in your hands or feet? This can be a sign of poor blood circulation often associated with elevated cholesterol levels, which may be causing blockages or narrowing in your veins.

Blurry Vision

Experiencing sudden blurriness or vision issues without an obvious cause might be a lesser-known sign of high cholesterol, as fat deposits can affect the tiny arteries in your eyes.

Memory Fog

Struggling to remember details or experiencing general brain fog? High cholesterol can affect cognitive function, leading to subtle memory problems over time.

Heavy Feeling in Chest

A persistent heavy or tight feeling in your chest can be a direct warning sign of heart issues linked to high cholesterol. It’s your body signaling that something might be amiss with your heart health.

Numbness in Extremities

Feeling numbness or tingling in your fingers and toes can be alarming! This could be due to the reduced circulation from narrowed or blocked arteries, a side effect of high cholesterol.

Chronic Fatigue

Even after a good night’s sleep, if you still feel drained, it might relate to your heart working harder than usual due to high cholesterol levels straining your cardiovascular system.

Increased Anxiety

Feeling more anxious than usual? While not a direct symptom, high cholesterol can exacerbate stress levels by impacting overall heart health and hormone balance.

Pale or Discolored Skin

Notice your skin appearing paler, or spotted with discoloration? It could be a circulation issue related to cholesterol-blocked arteries, preventing normal blood flow to your skin.

Decrease in Appetite

A sudden decrease in your appetite that doesn't align with your usual eating habits could be indirectly linked to your body coping with inefficient blood flow from high cholesterol.

Dry or Cracked Lips

Persistent dryness or cracks in your lips, despite regular hydration and balms, may signal dehydration or poor circulation, often seen in individuals with elevated cholesterol levels.

Sudden Hair Loss

Experiencing more hair fall than usual? It might be a result of poor circulation due to blocked arteries, a common issue for those struggling with high cholesterol.

Brittle Finger Nails

If your nails break easily or look unusually brittle, this could be another subtle sign of circulation issues connected to high cholesterol impacting nutrient delivery to your nails.

Irregular Heartbeats

Feeling your heart flutter or skip a beat occasionally? High cholesterol can lead to heart arrhythmias by causing blockages and affecting the heart's normal rhythm.

Cold Sensitivity

Feeling unusually sensitive to cold, particularly in your extremities, could be due to poor circulation often associated with high levels of cholesterol.

Pain in the Neck or Jaw

Experiencing unexpected aches in your neck or jaw could be linked to the strain and stress high cholesterol puts on your cardiovascular system.

Dark Circles Under Eyes

Prominent dark circles, despite getting enough rest, could be a sign of poor circulation, a lesser-known consequence of high cholesterol levels.

Reduced Reflexes

Noticing that your reflexes are slower than before? It might be due to nerve damage from poor blood circulation, often resulting from high cholesterol.

Low Stamina

Finding yourself tiring out quicker than usual during physical activities? It could be due to your heart working harder to pump blood through clogged arteries, a common issue when cholesterol levels are high.

Bleeding Gums

Surprised by bleeding gums while brushing or flossing? This can be connected to poor vascular health, often deteriorated by high cholesterol, leading to weaker blood vessels.

Sudden Hearing Loss

Experiencing a sudden decrease in hearing ability might be a rare but possible effect of high cholesterol, as it can affect the blood supply to the auditory organs.

Increased Thirst

Finding yourself unusually thirsty could also be an indirect sign of high cholesterol, particularly if it's leading to dehydration or affecting kidney function.

Frequent Nosebleeds

If you’re having nosebleeds more often, it could be a sign of hypertension, which frequently accompanies high cholesterol.

Stomach Pain

Unexplained stomach pain might be caused by decreased blood flow to abdominal organs, a risk in those with high cholesterol.

Swollen Glands

Noticing swollen lymph nodes? While often a sign of infection, persistent swelling could also be due to poor circulation associated with high cholesterol.

Electrical Pains in Extremities

Feeling occasional sharp, electrical pains in your arms or legs could be a warning signal from nerves affected by reduced blood flow from thickened arterial walls due to high cholesterol.

Ringing in the Ears

A persistent or intermittent ringing in your ears, known as tinnitus, can sometimes be linked to blood flow issues caused by high cholesterol.

Weak Lower Legs

Weakness in the lower legs can also be a sign of restricted blood flow due to high cholesterol, affecting muscle and nerve health in your limbs.

Facial Flushing

Experiencing sudden redness of the face? While often a sign of fluctuating blood pressure, it can also be influenced by high cholesterol impacting blood circulation.

Sensitivity to Light

Becoming more sensitive to light, especially bright lights, can be a subtle symptom related to high cholesterol, affecting the eyes' ability to handle light changes.

Breathlessness While Lying Down

Feeling short of breath when you lie down can be a sign of heart problems associated with high cholesterol, affecting your cardiovascular efficiency.

Frequent Urination

Finding yourself needing to urinate more often than usual without an increase in fluid intake might be a sign of a body struggling with the effects of high cholesterol.

Night Sweats

Waking up drenched in sweat during the night might not just be about your blankets or room temperature. It could be a response to cardiovascular strain from high cholesterol.

Spots in Vision

Seeing spots or 'floaters' in your vision occasionally? While generally harmless, frequent occurrences can be related to high cholesterol affecting eye health.

Excessive Snoring

Snoring more loudly or frequently can be a sign of sleep apnea, which is often associated with high cholesterol and its impact on respiratory functions.

Feeling Isolated or Depressed

Feeling increasingly isolated or experiencing bouts of depression could be linked to the overall health impact high cholesterol can have, potentially altering mood regulation.

Difficulty in Climbing Stairs

Finding it hard to climb stairs? This could be due to muscle weakness or fatigue caused by reduced blood flow from high cholesterol.