High cholesterol: Severe pain in these parts of the body could be a warning sign

 (Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news)

 

This uncomfortable pain could be a warning sign of ‘silent killer’

Coming under the category of sterols, cholesterol is a type of lipid. Fats, waxes, oils and hormones all fall under the category of lipids and so does the much dreaded term ‘cholesterol’, which is synthesized by our body cells and is an integral part of the cell membrane. When isolated, it is a yellow crystalline substance, too much presence of which in the blood is termed as high cholesterol and is considered to be extremely dangerous for the body because of the consequences that it has. Cholesterol thickens the blood and can cause hindrances in its smooth circulation especially through the arteries because it gets deposited on the walls of the arteries, clogging them.

Perils posed by high cholesterol

Cholesterol deposits on the walls of the arteries can narrow arteries or completely block them. Blockage of arteries causes them to harden and obstruct blood flow which increases the risk of blood clots that obstruct the flow of blood to the heart or brain, leading to serious complications. It therefore becomes extremely important for us to know if our cholesterol levels are within the safe limits. However, it is not as easy as it seems. Unlike most illnesses, high cholesterol does not have any prominent specific symptoms which one can lookout for and this is why it is known as ‘the silent killer’. We bring to you some generic symptoms that are indicators of high cholesterol that should be looked out for.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Accumulation of cholesterol in the blood vessels can lead to clogging which in turn results in pain. When this condition reaches its extremity, it is labeled as Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). PAD causes discomfort both in the hands and feet and can affect activities like walking and running. If PAD is severe, it can even result in a loss of limbs. A test of pulses is a simple way to lookout for PAD and your physician can prescribe and perform the test conveniently.

Atherosclerosis

This condition is characterized by accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries which clogs them. The deposits are made of fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium, fibrin and cholesterol. Cholesterol build up in the body results in pain in the hands and is a symptom that one should look out for.

Painful jaw

A feeling of squeezing or tightening of the jaw leads to discomfort and in some cases, it might even lead to acute pain in the jaw. This pain is mostly associated with angina- a pain that arises from poor flow of blood to the part of the heart which is most commonly felt in the chest but can be felt in many forms.