4 High Cholesterol Symptoms In Women: Causes, Risk Factors And Testing Tips
Health
Published on: 15-Apr-2024
10 min read
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Lalita Vishwakarma
4 High Cholesterol Symptoms In Women: Causes, Risk Factors And Testing Tips
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High cholesterol is a growing health concern globally, affecting millions and silently raising the risk of heart disease, the leading cause of death worldwide. Women face unique challenges when it comes to cholesterol management. A recent WHO report revealed that nearly 2 billion adults worldwide have high cholesterol, with a significant rise in women after menopause. In India, the story is equally concerning. A study published in the Indian Heart Journal found that over 35% of urban Indian women have borderline high LDL ("bad") cholesterol, putting them at increased risk.
But what exactly is cholesterol, and how can you tell if your levels are a cause for concern? Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. While it plays a vital role in some bodily functions, high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, narrowing them and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Unfortunately, high cholesterol often doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms in women. This is why it's crucial to be aware of the risk factors and get regular cholesterol screenings. This blog will delve into the 4 key symptoms to watch out for in women, explore the causes and risk factors specific to female health, and equip you with valuable tips for getting tested and taking control of your cholesterol levels. Keep reading.
Table Of Contents
4 High Cholesterol Symptoms In Women To Watch Out For
What Causes High Cholesterol In Women?
Risk Factors Associated With High Cholesterol
When To Get Your Cholesterol Checked?
How Do I Know If My Cholesterol Is Very High?
How to Prevent Complications of High Cholesterol?
Expert’s Advice
The Final Say
FAQs
References
4 High Cholesterol Symptoms In Women To Watch Out For
How does your body feel when your cholesterol is too high? Well, high cholesterol generally does not have its symptoms. Still, they can be observed when high cholesterol progresses to a condition known as atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up inside the arteries. This further causes a range of health issues. The following are the high cholesterol symptoms in females:
1. High Blood Pressure
The buildup of cholesterol plaque and calcium in your arteries leads to their hardening and narrowing, making it difficult for your heart to pump blood through them. This puts additional strain on your heart, which results in high blood pressure.
2. Chest pain
High cholesterol can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, which can lead to chest pain. Over time, these deposits can harden and narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
This can cause chest pain or discomfort, known as angina. However, the good news is that you can potentially prevent or manage these symptoms with timely medical attention and lifestyle changes, offering hope for a healthier future.
3. Shortness of breath
High levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and plaque deposits restrict the oxygen supply to the lungs, which can lead to pulmonary hypertension and shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.
4. Pain in the neck, upper abdomen, or back
Although high cholesterol does not cause pain in the neck or associated areas, atherosclerosis does. Due to a lack of oxygen supply, you may feel uneasy and uncomfortable in your back or upper abdomen.
What Causes High Cholesterol In Women?
Your lifestyle choices, as well as genetic factors, play a significant role in your health. Understanding the major factors that can raise your cholesterol levels is crucial, as it empowers you to take control of your health.
Smoking: The habit of continuous smoking can lower your “good cholesterol” (HDL) levels while increasing your “bad cholesterol” (LDL) levels.
Stress and Depression: Both conditions are equally harmful to your mental health as they trigger hormones that cause your body to produce cholesterol, leading to a risk of cardiovascular disorders.
Drinking Alcohol: Consuming a lot of alcohol without analysing its side effects can make your condition even worse. It is linked with cholesterol and is responsible for raising its level.
Inactive Lifestyle: This is the most common cause of high cholesterol. It suppresses the body's production of good cholesterol and leads to an unhappy life.
Poor Diet: Be mindful of what you eat as there are some foods, like processed and refined ones, that can increase your LDL cholesterol levels, thus posing the risk of other health disorders like heart attack, stroke, PCOS, diabetes, etc.
Family History: Can also be the reason behind high cholesterol levels. If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with a high cholesterol condition, then there is a high chance that the future generation may get it.
Risk Factors Associated with High Cholesterol
Factors that can increase your risk of unhealthy cholesterol levels include:
Factor | Description |
Poor Diet | Consuming excessive saturated fat (from fatty meats and full-fat dairy) or trans fats (found in packaged snacks and desserts). |
Obesity | Having a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. |
Lack of Exercise | Inactivity reduces your HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. |
Smoking | Lowers HDL ("good") cholesterol levels. |
Alcohol | Excessive alcohol consumption increases total cholesterol levels. |
Age | Risk increases over 40 as your liver's ability to remove LDL ("bad") cholesterol declines. |
Also Read: Is Garlic Good For Cholesterol?
When To Get Your Cholesterol Checked?
High cholesterol can develop in childhood or adolescence, which is why screenings are recommended during this period. Guidelines suggest that children and teens get their cholesterol checked every five years, starting at nine years old. However, if a child's parents have a history of heart problems or high cholesterol, they may need to start even sooner.
For individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB), it is recommended that they get their cholesterol checked every five years until the age of 45. From age 45 to 65, it is recommended that they get checked every one to two years, and after age 65, it is recommended that they get checked yearly.
For individuals assigned female at birth (AFAB), it is recommended that they get checked every five years until age 55. From age 55 to 65, it is recommended that they get checked every one to two years, and after age 65, it is recommended that they get checked every year.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines; your healthcare provider will discuss what's best for you. Depending on individual factors, such as high cholesterol numbers or other heart disease risk factors, some individuals may need more frequent testing.
How Do I Know If My Cholesterol Is Very High?
High cholesterol usually doesn't show any symptoms, but if left untreated, it can lead to heart attack and stroke. It's a hidden risk factor, which means it can go unnoticed until it's too late. That's why it's crucial to get your cholesterol levels checked. However, if you have familial hypercholesterolemia, you may experience visible signs of high cholesterol, such as:
Tendon xanthomata (swellings made from cholesterol on the knuckles of your hands and knees.
Xanthelasmas (small, yellow lumps of cholesterol near the inner corner of your eye),
Corneal arcus (a pale white ring around the coloured part of your eye, your iris).
Also Read: How To Reduce Cholesterol Levels At Home
How to Prevent Complications of High Cholesterol?
Living a heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent high cholesterol and lower it. Here are some steps that you can take to prevent high cholesterol:
Follow a low-salt diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Maintain a healthy weight by losing extra pounds if you are overweight.
Reduce your consumption of animal fats and use good fats in moderation.
Exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week to maintain good health.
Just say no to smoking and alcohol, as it can help you prevent health problems.
Practice yoga or meditation to manage stress levels to lower the chances of developing high cholesterol levels.
Expert’s Advice
As a health expert, I advise you to be aware of the dangers of high cholesterol. This condition is a silent killer that can go unnoticed for many years, even in active and healthy individuals. I strongly recommend undergoing a simple blood test to determine whether you have high cholesterol. Certain medical conditions may increase your risk of developing high cholesterol.
Therefore, discussing your cholesterol levels with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action is crucial. Remember, knowledge is power. Knowing your numbers, you can take the necessary steps to protect your heart and live a healthy life.
Health Expert
Akshata Gandevikar
The Final Say
High cholesterol might be a silent threat, but it doesn't have to control your future. By recognising the high cholesterol symptoms in women, understanding your risk factors, and getting regular screenings, you can take proactive steps towards a healthier heart. Remember, even small changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle can significantly impact your cholesterol levels.
This blog is just the beginning of your journey. We encourage you to discuss your concerns with your doctor and create a personalised plan for managing your cholesterol. So, take care of your heart and stay healthy!
FAQs
1. What are the 5 signs of high cholesterol in women?
Although high cholesterol does not show symptoms, it can cause many health complications. You may observe specific symptoms of high cholesterol in females like:
High blood pressure
Chest Pain
Sudden dizziness
Shortness of breath
Paleness of skin
2. Is high cholesterol more common in males or females?
Well, it varies according to age as it is generally observed that men aged 20- 55 have high LDL cholesterol levels, while in women, it usually happens after 55 years due to menopause.
3. How to reduce cholesterol at home?
Here are the tips that you can follow to reduce your cholesterol levels at home:
By balancing your food intake, try to include more fresh fruits, veggies, lean protein and whole grains.
Completely restricting oily and processed foods like pizza, burgers or french fries.
Say no to foods and beverages with high sugar content.
Following a low sodium diet.
Say no to alcohol and smoking.
4. What drinks help to reduce cholesterol?
You can try these drinks to manage your cholesterol levels:
Green tea
Pomegranate juice
Citrus juice
Soy milk
Plant-based smoothies
5. What health problems are caused by high cholesterol?
Understanding cholesterol problems can help you find suitable treatments for them. High bad cholesterol can cause cardiovascular disorders.
6. What are the types of cholesterol?
Different types of cholesterol are:
1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It is also known as bad cholesterol.
2. High-density lipoprotein (HDL). It is also known as good cholesterol.
3. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL).
7. What are the symptoms of bad cholesterol increase?
Elevated levels of bad cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol, often manifest through symptoms like chest pain, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. People may experience yellowish deposits around the eyes, known as xanthelasma, and a condition called arcus senilis, where a white or greyish ring forms around the cornea.
References
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