Fried Rice Syndrome, Recognize the Symptoms and How to Prevent It

Symptoms of increased cholesterol can appear at any time but are often ignored or taken for granted. Knowing the various symptoms can help you maintain cholesterol balance and prevent health problems in the future.

Cholesterol in the blood is divided into two types, namely high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL, or good cholesterol, functions to transport cholesterol from the blood vessels to the liver for disposal. Ideal HDL levels range from 45–60 mg/dL in men and 55–60 mg/dL in women.

On the other hand, LDL is known as bad cholesterol because it can accumulate on the walls of blood vessels. Safe LDL levels are below 100 mg/dL while dangerous levels start from 160 mg/dL.

Even though it is often considered an adult problem, high cholesterol can also be experienced by children and teenagers. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs of elevated cholesterol early so that it can be treated immediately to prevent the risk of serious illness, such as heart disease or stroke, in the future.

Characteristics of Rising Cholesterol

High cholesterol often has no symptoms and is usually only detected after it becomes a serious problem, such as a heart attack or stroke. This condition is also closely related to other diseases, such as diabetes and obesity.

The following are signs of increased cholesterol that you should be aware of:

1. Headache

Headaches are one of the characteristics of high cholesterol. This is because rising cholesterol levels can cause plaque buildup which narrows blood vessels and inhibits blood flow to the brain. As a result, the brain does not get enough oxygen, which can trigger headaches.

2. Leg pain

Leg pain can be another sign of high cholesterol. High cholesterol levels can cause plaque buildup in the blood vessels so that the blood vessels narrow and blood flow to the legs is reduced. 

A condition known as disease of the peripheral arteries this can cause pain or cramps in the legs, especially when you are active.

3. Chest pain

Chest pain is a common symptom that is often associated with increased cholesterol. When cholesterol levels increase, plaque can build up on the walls of blood vessels and cause narrowing which inhibits blood flow to the heart.

This condition forces the heart to work harder to get enough oxygen, causing pain and pressure in the chest.

This chest pain is known as angina. Angina usually appears when you do physical activity because that's when the heart needs more oxygen.

4. Fat appears under the skin

Xanthoma is a yellow lump that appears under the skin, usually on the eyelids, elbows, or back. This fat buildup occurs due to excessive cholesterol levels in the blood.

This condition often appears in people who suffer from obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure or have a family history of high cholesterol.

5. Heart attack

Symptoms of increased cholesterol are also heart attacks. When cholesterol levels increase, plaque will accumulate on the walls of blood vessels. This condition makes the heart's blood vessels narrow and inhibits blood flow to the heart. If blood flow stops, a heart attack can occur.

Symptoms of a heart attack usually include chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain that radiates to the arms, back, or neck.

6. Stroke

As already mentioned, high cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in blood vessels and narrow the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain. If blood vessels are blocked, the risk of having a stroke will increase.

Stroke is characterized by many symptoms, such as difficulty speaking, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body , and lost balance.

7. Erectile dysfunction

High cholesterol can cause plaque to build up in blood vessels, which causes them to narrow and inhibit blood flow throughout the body, including to the penis. When blood flow to this area is compromised, men may have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. This condition is known as erectile dysfunction.

How to Prevent Cholesterol Rising 

Prevention of high cholesterol can start by gradually changing your lifestyle to a healthier one. That way, you can reduce the risk of problems caused by high cholesterol. 

The following are lifestyle changes that you can implement to prevent high cholesterol:

• Do regular exercise, such as walking or cycling, every day for 30 minutes.
• Limit consumption of saturated fats and trans fat.
• Do not smoke or consume alcoholic beverages.
• Consume cholesterol-lowering foods, such as avocado, bananas, soybeans, berries, nuts, brown rice, salmon, and green vegetables. 
• Manage stress by pursuing hobbies or recreation.
• Avoid fast food.
• Avoid energy and carbonated drinks.
• Get your cholesterol checked every 5 years when you reach the age of 20. 

The characteristics of elevated cholesterol are often difficult to recognize because they usually do not cause specific symptoms. The signs that appear can also be related to other conditions, such as diabetes or obesity.

Even though it doesn't always show symptoms, high cholesterol can increase the risk of serious illnesses, such as heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, checking cholesterol levels regularly and adopting a healthy lifestyle is very important to prevent more serious complications in the future.

If you experience signs of rising cholesterol as above, don't hesitate to consult a doctor. That way, the doctor can carry out an examination and provide appropriate treatment for you.

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