Warning Signs of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a serious health condition that affects people of all ages. It can lead to a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. Knowing the warning signs of high cholesterol is important in order to take steps to reduce your risk.
Total Cholesterol Level
The total cholesterol level is a measure of all the cholesterol in your blood. An adult's total cholesterol level should be below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). If your total cholesterol level is higher than 200 mg/dL, it's a sign that you may have high cholesterol.
LDL Cholesterol Level
LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of your arteries. This buildup can lead to blockages and increases your risk for heart attack and stroke. An LDL cholesterol level of less than 100 mg/dL is desirable, while anything higher than 130 mg/dL is considered high.
HDL Cholesterol Level
HDL cholesterol is considered "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from your body. An HDL cholesterol level of 60 mg/dL or higher is considered desirable for protecting against heart disease.
Triglyceride Level
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Having high levels of triglycerides is a warning sign of high cholesterol. A triglyceride level of 150 mg/dL or lower is ideal.
Other Risk Factors
In addition to abnormal cholesterol levels, there are other risk factors that may indicate you have high cholesterol. These include a family history of heart disease, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and inactivity. Any of these risk factors should prompt you to get your cholesterol checked.
Symptoms
High cholesterol does not typically cause any symptoms. That's why it's important to get your cholesterol level checked regularly. If your cholesterol is very high, you may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other heart-related symptoms.
If you have any of the warning signs of high cholesterol, it's important to talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a plan to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.