High blood fat often has no specific symptoms, but sometimes shortness of breath, nausea, cold feet and slow-healing ulcers can warn of this condition.
High blood fat is a condition of increased bad cholesterol (LDL) or triglycerides or both in the blood. High cholesterol or triglycerides build up in the arteries to form plaque, which over time can make it difficult for blood to circulate through the arteries. If these plaques rupture, there is a risk of blood clots forming, causing a heart attack, myocardial infarction or stroke.
Because there are no specific symptoms, high blood fat is often overlooked. However, some potential signs can warn of high blood fat and patients need to be checked early.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath can indicate the heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood when the arteries are narrowed by plaque buildup. This condition, called atherosclerosis, can potentially lead to more serious cardiovascular problems. Unexplained shortness of breath at rest or without exercise is a warning of excessive cholesterol levels.
Nausea
Nausea is a sign of many different health problems, including too high blood cholesterol. When cholesterol builds up in the arteries, blood flow to the heart is affected, causing nausea or discomfort. This symptom is often accompanied by difficulty breathing, which is associated with more serious conditions such as heart attack or angina. In this case, you need to see a doctor soon to find out the cause.
Cold and numb feet
Numb legs and cold feet can be a sign of poor circulation due to high cholesterol levels, leading to peripheral artery disease. Plaque buildup narrows the arteries in the legs, reducing blood flow, causing symptoms such as coldness in the extremities and numbness. People experiencing this symptom regularly need to check their cholesterol levels to rule out the cause.
Leg ulcers are difficult to heal
Leg ulcers that do not heal are considered a serious sign of underlying cholesterol-related health problems. They often occur because plaque narrows the arteries, leading to poor circulation. If the foot ulcer persists and does not respond to standard treatments, the patient should have their cholesterol and overall blood vessel health checked.