Chest pain due to high cholesterol: Causes, indications, and ways to avoid
High Cholesterol: Understanding Its Impact on Heart Health
High cholesterol levels can have serious implications for heart health, leading to a range of potentially life-threatening conditions. Here's what you need to know about the long-term effects of untreated high cholesterol on the heart.
The Dangers of High Cholesterol
Untreated high cholesterol can result in the development of atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) from excess LDL ("bad") cholesterol. This can significantly reduce or block blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of serious heart problems such as coronary artery disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Untreated high cholesterol also raises the chances of stroke and peripheral artery disease.
Key Points
- Atherosclerosis narrows and hardens arteries, impairing blood flow.
- Blocked blood flow can cause heart attacks and ischemic events.
- High cholesterol contributes to the formation of plaque that may rupture, triggering blood clots and heart damage.
- It is a principal risk factor for coronary artery disease, which affects a significant portion of adults and is a leading cause of heart attacks.
- Heart failure can develop if the heart becomes weakened or stiff due to chronic injury.
- Arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) linked to heart damage can increase stroke risk.
- High cholesterol complications are often silent until advanced, underscoring the importance of routine screening and early detection.
Preventing High Cholesterol
Maintaining cholesterol within healthy ranges through lifestyle and medication is crucial to preventing these long-term heart complications. Limiting foods high in saturated and trans fats, eating a diet low in salt and added sugars, eating a diet high in fiber, including unsaturated fats in the diet, aiming for a moderate weight, getting regular physical activity, avoiding or quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake can help prevent high LDL cholesterol.
Symptoms and Emergency Measures
High levels of excess cholesterol may cause symptoms such as xanthomas (bumps or lesions on the skin due to fatty deposits) and corneal arcus (grayish-white rings around the iris). If someone is experiencing chest pain, it is essential to seek immediate medical care. Chest pain may feel like a squeezing sensation or pressure in the chest, similar to indigestion. People may also experience discomfort in areas around the chest, including the shoulders, arms, abdomen, back, neck, and jaw. Heart attacks occur when there is a lack of blood supply to the heart and symptoms include chest pain, nausea, sweaty or clammy skin, shortness of breath, and anxiety.
In an emergency, dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department and perform manual chest compressions if necessary. If an automatic external defibrillator (AED) is available, use it.
Treatment and Lifestyle Changes
People with excess cholesterol can discuss a treatment plan with a doctor. Treatment may include getting regular exercise, eating a heart-healthy diet, reaching or maintaining a moderate weight, reducing and managing stress, getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and avoiding or quitting smoking. Even a small amount of weight loss can lead to changes in cholesterol levels.
In conclusion, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is vital for heart health. By making healthy lifestyle choices, regular screening, and prompt treatment when necessary, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- High cholesterol can lead to chronic conditions like atherosclerosis, affecting cardiovascular health and increasing risks of heart attacks, heart failure, and arrhythmias.
- To prevent high cholesterol, a balanced diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and added sugars, high in fiber and unsaturated fats, along with regular exercise, maintaining a moderate weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol, can be beneficial.
- Symptoms of high cholesterol may not always be noticeable, but xanthomas and corneal arcus could be potential indicators. In case of chest pain, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.
- Managing high cholesterol may require a combination of lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, stress management, adequate sleep, quitting smoking, and alcohol limitation, and may also involve medical treatment as advised by a doctor.
