Are you worried about having high cholesterol levels in your blood and wondering about the symptoms of its occurrence? In the following article, we will provide you with high cholesterol symptoms that you should visit a doctor once you notice them.

High Cholesterol Symptoms

Unfortunately, there are no signs or symptoms of high cholesterol levels in the blood, and a person cannot confirm their high cholesterol without undergoing blood tests.(2)

However, in some severe cases, specifically in the presence of familial hypercholesterolemia, some individuals may experience the following symptoms:(3)(4)

• Formation of fat deposits in tendons and skin.
• Severe abdominal pain due to spleen or liver enlargement.
• Yellow lumps on the knuckles, knees, or the back of the ankles (Tendon xanthomata).
• Pale white ring around the colored part of the eyes (Corneal arcus).
• Small, yellow lumps of cholesterol near the inner corner of your eye (Xanthelasmas).

Symptoms associated with health conditions resulting from high cholesterol

Often, a person is unaware of their elevated cholesterol levels until they experience symptoms of health complications associated with this problem, including heart attack and stroke.

Elevated cholesterol levels in the blood cause the formation of plaques that accumulate in the arteries, leading to their narrowing and reduced blood flow.

Here are the major complications associated with high cholesterol and their related symptoms:(1)

• Coronary Artery Disease

It is a type of heart disease that results from plaque buildup in the main arteries that supply the heart, leading to narrowing or hardening of the arteries. The main symptoms include:

• Pain in the neck, jaw, upper abdomen, or back.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea.
• Chest pain (angina).(1)
  
  
  

• Heart Attack

A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, happens when a part of the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood. The following symptoms may appear:(7)(1)

• Severe and uncomfortable pain in the middle of the chest or on the left side, lasting for a few minutes or disappearing and returning.
• Pain in the jaw, neck, back, or one of the arms or shoulders.
• Shortness of breath.
• Excessive fatigue.
• Cold sweating.
• Dizziness.
• Fainting.
  
  
  

• Stroke

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is reduced or cut off. It is a medical emergency that can cause the following symptoms:(1)(2)

• Sudden loss of balance.
• Drooping eyelid and mouth on one side of the face (facial asymmetry).
• Sudden dizziness.
• Loss of the ability to move on one side of the body.
• Confusion.
• Severe and sudden headache.
• Blurred vision or double vision.
• Numbness in the arm, face, or leg.

What are high cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol levels are usually measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), and the following table illustrates the normal and high levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein), and HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein):(5)(6)