What Are The Side Effects Of Cholesterol

All you need to do is ask one of the 785,000 Americans who had a heart attack last year whether the side effects of cholesterol should be a concern or whether they are much to do about nothing. I have a feeling that most of them would say that side effects of cholesterol are a serious concern. Furthermore, I would venture to say that if most of them had it to do all over again they would pay more attention to their cholesterol levels.

One fact that makes the side effects of cholesterol so dangerous is that they may not appear until a heart attack or stroke strikes. Sure in cases of extremely high cholesterol along with obesity fat may be deposited under the skin and produce bumps called xanthomas, but this is somewhat rare.

The truth of the matter is the real side effects of cholesterol will generally start to be noticed only when this fluffy fatty substance produces plaque deposits in the arteries leading to reduced blood flow to the heart, lungs, muscles, and brain. For arterial side effects of cholesterol to occur blood flow must be reduced over 60 percent, with 70 being more probable.

If blood flow to the heart is reduced chest pain and tightness will start to be noticed. Unless the blockage is nearly 100 percent the pain will subside during rest, creating the illusion that noting is terribly wrong.

When blood flow to the heart is reduced that also means that there is less blood traveling throughout the body, possibly resulting in shortness of breath, muscle weakness and soreness, and a general feeling of fatigue. Sweating, irregular heart rhythms, and anxiety may also occur as the heart strains to supply the body’s needs.

If cholesterol is building in the vertebral or carotid arteries which supply the brain a number of very noticeable signs may start to occur ranging from numbness and slurred speech to weakness and paralysis.

One last sign of the side effects of cholesterol which is not often mentioned is that of skin discoloration. The skin may start to take on a grayish or yellowish tone. This could be an indication of many different conditions, none of which are good, requiring the help of your medical professional to unravel the mystery.

If I start to notice the side effects of cholesterol what should I do?

The best advice is to contact your doctor first and then start making some serious lifestyle changes. The ones that are most often mentioned are regular exercise, a diet consisting of no more than 8 percent saturated fat and 25 percent cholesterol, eating less red meat and more fish and vegetables, saying no to both cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke, reducing stress in your life, and shedding a few of those extra pounds that have accumulated around the waistline.

Can supplements help?

Supplements for fighting the side effects of cholesterol are a valuable tool that should not be ignored. The three most often mentioned are omega 3 fish oil, vitamin B supplements, and natural cholesterol reduction supplements. By combining these three you will be helping your body to reduce existing plaque deposits, heal damaged arteries, reduce inflammation, protect the arterial lining from future damage, and reduce the amount of cholesterol and other blood fats floating around in the bloodstream.

By: R.D. Hawkins

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R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at Purchase Remedies.com