High cholesterol is termed as "hidden danger" because does not show up through noticeable signs. Medically, it is known as hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia. Long-term consequences of this disease may result in severe health issues, such as heart attacks, type 2 diabetes and strokes. It may occasionally cause a few symptoms like headaches and dizziness. But can high cholesterol cause headaches and dizziness? It is worth your while to have more details.
Synthesis of various hormones and formation of cell membranes need a wax-like fatty substance known as cholesterol. Although liver creates most of your body's cholesterol requirement, animal-based foods like meat and egg yolks can also provide it. Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream in two main forms:
Low-density lipoprotein or LDL. Build-up of LDL forms plaque in your arteries. This is also called "bad" cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein or HDL. This helps your body expel LDL from blood, and hence is known as "good" cholesterol.
High cholesterol can cause several health problems, primarily affecting your heart and blood vessels. Excessive cholesterol build-up in arteries can narrow and thicken such vessels; this is called atherosclerosis. This restricts blood flow and increases risks of strokes, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular disorders.
Lab investigations like lipid profile tests are ordered to detect cholesterol levels. Some kits also help evaluate your cholesterol levels at the comfort of your home. If you suspect an elevated cholesterol level, you need to report it to your caregiver.
What causes high cholesterol?
High cholesterol occurs due to a number of medical issues. These include liver conditions like cirrhosis or hepatitis, renal dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, and hypothyroidism i.e., an underactive thyroid. These illnesses may affect the body's ability to metabolize and reduce cholesterol level.
Furthermore, high cholesterol raises the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition wherein other organs are impacted by decreased blood circulation.
Diabetes makes people more susceptible to such disorders as it lowers HDL (or "good") cholesterol and increases LDL. Additionally, high blood pressure can harm blood vessels which builds-up cholesterol level.
As people age, their cholesterol level tends to increase. In general, women have lower LDL levels than males. But after menopause, LDL levels in women frequently rise, increasing risks of heart disease among women.
As a side effect, use of drugs such as beta-blockers, steroids, and diuretics can raise cholesterol levels. Consult your healthcare practitioner if you are worried of high cholesterol while taking such meds.
Numerous factors like age, drugs, genetics, diet, lifestyle, and other medical conditions also contribute to high cholesterol.
Can high cholesterol cause headaches and dizziness?
Feeling dizzy is a sign of heart-related conditions. Plaque buildup in arteries, narrowed heart valves, or irregular heart rhythms can reduce blood flow and cause light-headedness; this is mistakenly described as dizziness.
High cholesterol can also contribute to high blood pressure, and enhance odds of developing heart disease. Several studies indicate people who experience recurrent headaches have high blood cholesterol. Intensity of headaches and dizziness dropped substantially after taking medications for 3 – 4 months’ time. Post-treatment, people experienced a marked reduction in spells of migraines. Also, the intensity of pains is seen to reduce to sizable extent. However - if left untreated, these symptoms may lead to serious complications.
Lastly, your doctor will prescribe some meds to lower your cholesterol levels but sometimes those medications may create few side effects in your body. Those side effects include a feeling of sickness, headache, and even dizziness. However, research is on to understand the occurrence of such adverse effects.
Risk factors associated with high cholesterol
High cholesterol often runs in families. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a type of genetic disorder affecting how your body processes cholesterol and affects ~1 in 200 people. This disorder may lead to your body making too-much cholesterol in the liver, absorbing too much fats from food you eat, or posing problems in removal of cholesterol from blood.
Your body uses triglycerides – it is a form of blood fat used as an energy source. Increase in triglycerides leads to risks associated with high cholesterol. Even those who lead healthy lives may have high cholesterol due to additional genetic factors. It is however quite challenging to identify genetic triggers.
Foods to eat for reducing high cholesterol
Fiber-rich foods are known to lowers absorption of fats. Foods such as carrots, spinach, bananas, pears, oats, and tomato are known to stop absorption of cholesterol. Instead of eating high-fat junk foods, fill your plate with wholegrain breads, cereals and rice.
Also, healthy foods like sesame-seed spread, walnuts, fish, avocados, olives, peanuts, almonds, cashews and chia seeds are highly recommended. Individuals with high risk of heart disease can take plant-sterol-enriched veggies like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli.
Best cholesterol medication with least side effects, The best cholesterol medication with the least side effects often depends on individual needs. Statins are commonly prescribed, but rosuvastatin are known for having fewer side effects. For those who can’t tolerate statins, ezetimibe or bile acid sequestrants may be good alternatives. Always consult your doctor to choose the safest option for you.
So how to manage high cholesterol?
You are advised to consult with a qualified physician; he / she will develop a customised treatment plan. Your doctor will more likely administer meds like lipid lowering agents and / or statins to bring down high cholesterol. Your dietitian may suggest a cardiac-friendly diet; this includes eating whole grains, fruits, lean proteins, vegetables, etc. It is a wise thing to limit saturated fatty foods.
In addition, you can avoid leading a sedentary lifestyle and also cut down on your alcohol consumption. Saying no to smoking adds to your heart’s wellbeing. Amid these, do not forget to have a good night’s sleep every day; insufficient sleep can lead to greater risks of cholesterol.
Pursuing a regular exercising plan does a lot of good. Workouts – done under the guidance of a trainer - support cardiac health and also help maintain optimal body weight. It is a good thing to do aerobic exercises for an hour every day.
In sum, high cholesterol plays a lead-role in causing near-fatal / fatal conditions. The typical symptoms include headaches and dizziness. Early diagnosis and treatment can help high cholesterol from building-up further. You can significantly reduce risks by adhering to your physician’s advice and following heart-friendly habits coupled with regular medical checkups, and adhering to your medication plan.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.