Serious Side Effects of Having High Cholesterol

High cholesterol refers to an elevated level of a fat called low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the bloodstream. Over many years, high levels of LDL increase the chances of developing diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels, particularly heart attack and stroke.

Jump to Key Takeaways.

1. Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is characterized by the collection of plaque within the coronary arteries, which encircle the heart’s surface, supplying it with vital nutrients and oxygen. LDL is known as a person’s “bad or unhealthy cholesterol” because it’s the primary contributor to plaque formation.

Arterial plaque is a sticky substance comprised of cholesterol, fatty substances, and calcium that slowly accumulates within artery walls, causing the arteries to stiffen, harden, and narrow over time.

The process of arterial plaque buildup, known as atherosclerosis, affects large and medium-sized arteries throughout the body, including those that supply the heart, brain, arms, legs, kidneys, and gut. Depending on the artery affected, various diseases may manifest.

Coronary artery disease may cause no symptoms until a heart attack occurs, which is when plaque within a coronary artery breaks open, leading to the formation of a blood clot that restricts blood flow to the heart.

The hallmark symptom of a heart attack is angina, which is pain that is squeezing, heavy, tight, or burning in quality. It’s usually felt in the chest but can also be felt primarily or travel to the arm, neck, upper back, or jaw.

Other possible symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Breaking out in a cold sweat
• Trouble breathing (dyspnea)
• Indigestion or nausea
• Light-headedness
• Unusual tiredness

2. Ischemic Stroke

Atherosclerosis is the chief cause of ischemic stroke. Similar to a heart attack, an ischemic stroke can arise when plaque within an artery that feeds the brain ruptures, leading to the formation of a blood clot that restricts or blocks blood flow to the brain.

Arteries and their branches that may be affected by atherosclerosis and subsequently cause an ischemic stroke include;

• The carotid arteries within the neck supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain and face.
• The vertebral arteries, also located in the neck, feed the upper part of the spinal cord and the back of the brain.
• The cerebral arteries supply the cerebrum—the largest part of the brain, located above and in front of the brainstem.

Depending on the affected artery, symptoms of an ischemic stroke vary, but may include:

• One-sided facial drooping or numbness
• Weakness or numbness in one extremity or side of the body
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Vision changes in one or both eyes
• Dizziness or loss of balance

3. Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) develops when plaque narrows or clogs the arteries that feed the extremities, especially the legs, preventing sufficient oxygen-rich blood from reaching the muscles and skin.

The cardinal symptom of peripheral artery disease is claudication. Features of claudication include:

• Cramping or aching muscle pain felt deep within the affected extremity, usually the calf, but also potentially the thigh, buttock, arm, or shoulder.
• Pain manifests during activity and is relieved with rest.

Other possible symptoms of PAD include:

• Numbness, weakness, tingling, or skin changes (e.g., colder or pale/blue skin tone)
• Slow-healing wounds or sores
• Hair thinning on the affected extremity

4. Renal Artery Stenosis

Renal artery stenosis is characterized by the accumulation of plaque in the arteries that deliver oxygen-rich blood to the kidneys.

Most individuals with renal artery stenosis have no symptoms until the disease becomes severe, at which point one or both of the following develop:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diminished kidney function, signified by a rising blood creatinine level, can eventually progress into chronic kidney disease.

5. Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia

Chronic mesenteric ischemia occurs when plaque clogs the arteries that feed the gut.

Typical symptoms include:

• Stomach pain that develops 15 to 30 minutes after eating a meal
• Unintended and significant weight loss
• Food avoidance or fear

6. Hypertension

High cholesterol can contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure) via accelerated atherosclerosis. Plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, causing blood to flow through the arteries with greater force.

Untreated and uncontrolled hypertension has serious potential consequences, including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, heart failure, and vision problems. Hypertension can also contribute to atherosclerosis by damaging the arterial walls, making it easier for plaque to accumulate.

7. Xanthomas

Xanthomas are usually indicative of very high cholesterol levels that run in families, known as familial hypercholesterolemia.

They are firm, skin-colored bumps often found on the Achilles tendon of the foot or tendons in the hand or arm.

Key Takeaways

• High cholesterol means there is too much LDL (“bad cholesterol”) in the bloodstream, which can eventually lead to the buildup of plaque (a sticky, fatty substance) in the walls of arteries—a condition called atherosclerosis.
• Atherosclerosis develops slowly and becomes severe when blood flow to vital organs is restricted or blocked, potentially causing various serious complications like a heart attack or stroke.
• See a healthcare provider if you have high cholesterol (diagnosed through a simple blood test) as lifestyle changes and sometimes medication can prevent atherosclerosis or stop it from worsening.