Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of the body and is essential for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest food. However, when cholesterol levels—especially LDL or “bad” cholesterol—become too high, it can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. While high cholesterol often develops silently with no obvious symptoms, there are a few warning signs and physical changes that could indicate your levels are too high and should be checked by a doctor.
Sheina (shiningwithsheina), a cholesterol expert, recently shared two warning signs of high cholesterol levels in a recent video. According to her, brain fog/low energy and leg pain/numbness are the symptoms to watch out for. Read on to get all the details.
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1. Brain fog and low energy
When LDL (bad) cholesterol levels are too high, it can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries—a condition known as atherosclerosis. This buildup narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow and limiting how much oxygen and nutrients reach your brain and muscles. The result? You may start to feel mentally sluggish, have trouble concentrating, or experience fatigue even after a full night’s sleep.
“If you’re constantly feeling tired or finding it hard to focus, your cholesterol could be restricting blood flow to your brain, which is affecting your oxygen supply,” she says.
2. Leg pain or numbness
When this symptom happens in the arteries that supply your legs, it’s known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). One of the early symptoms of PAD is leg discomfort, cramping, or numbness—typically felt during movement and relieved by rest.
“Poor circulation caused by cholesterol buildup can lead to pain, numbness, or a heavy feeling in your legs, especially when walking,” she adds.
Sheina warns that high cholesterol levels are a “silent killer,” and you should not wait for possible heart attacks in order to take action.
