Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – High cholesterol often causes no symptoms. It's just that if ignored, this will have a bad impact on health in the long term.
It turns out that there are a number of early signs that someone is experiencing high cholesterol which is similar to other medical conditions. For this reason, be aware of the following characteristics:
1. Get tired and sleepy easily
Tiredness and sleepiness start from blood flow not flowing properly to all organs so that the body's performance decreases. This condition initially occurs due to several factors besides high cholesterol, for example lack of sleep or anemia. Easily tired and sleepy can inhibit activity and be an early sign of high cholesterol.
2. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath can also be an early sign of high cholesterol. This is caused by plaque in the heart arteries which reduces the supply of oxygen-carrying blood in the respiratory system. As a result, oxygen levels in the body decrease and symptoms of shortness of breath appear.
3. Leg muscle pain and aches
According to the Times of India, pain in the legs can be a sign of high cholesterol. Not just ordinary aches. You may also feel very intense leg pain, even giving a burning sensation.
This is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries of the legs and feet which causes blood vessel damage, such as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
Heavy physical activity makes this condition even more painful. Even in serious cases, muscle pain often recurs at certain times. This condition is known as intermittent claudication.
4. Thickened nails
If you experience thickening of your toenails, be wary. This can be a sign of high cholesterol. Thickening of toenails is caused by worsening blood circulation due to narrowing of the arteries.
This narrowing of the arteries causes toenails to grow more slowly, thicken, change shape, or color (dystrophic nails).
5. Fatty liver
According to the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, a liver filled with high levels of fat can be an indication of high cholesterol. This is characterized by complaints of discomfort, bloating and nausea.
As a filter organ, the liver filters all toxins, including fat, in the blood to be excreted through urine. However, fat levels above normal can cause impaired liver function.
6. Weight gain
Significant and continuous weight gain can be a sign of high cholesterol. This is influenced by an unhealthy lifestyle. Not only cholesterol, increasing body weight will cause obesity and increase the risk of diabetes.
7. Chest pain
Apart from shortness of breath, another respiratory symptom that is a sign of high cholesterol is chest pain. Blocked arteries prevent blood from flowing properly to the heart. As a result, oxygen reception will be reduced and the performance of other vital organs will decrease.
8. Erectile dysfunction
Characteristics of high cholesterol can be seen from decreased sexual desire. High cholesterol can affect the sufferer's sexual health. This condition is called impotence, which is a condition where blood flow to the penis is insufficient and sexual desire gradually decreases.
9. Frequent tingling
Tingling or numbness generally occurs when parts of the body are squeezed due to improper sitting or standing posture. However, it turns out that tingling is also triggered by triglycerides (fat) and high cholesterol. If you often feel tingling, this could be a sign of high cholesterol.
10. Xanthoma
Xanthoma is a unique symptom of cholesterol that usually appears on the surface of the skin, including the eyes, knees or elbows. This skin problem is characterized by small, soft, papule-like bumps filled with fat deposits. The appearance of Xanthoma on the skin is an indication of high cholesterol.
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