What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your body. It plays a vital role in building cell membranes and producing certain hormones. Cholesterol helps your body make vitamin D and substances that aid in digestion.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

1. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "bad" cholesterol. High levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries. This buildup can narrow arteries and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other problems.
2. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as "good" cholesterol. It helps remove LDL cholesterol from your bloodstream by carrying it to your liver, where it can be processed and eliminated.

Cholesterol travels through your bloodstream in small packages called lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are made of fat (lipid) on the inside and proteins on the outside. They transport cholesterol and triglycerides (another type of fat) to different parts of your body.

Maintaining balanced cholesterol levels is essential for overall health. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up in the arteries. This condition can cause serious health issues like coronary artery disease (CAD) or stroke. On the other hand, having high levels of HDL cholesterol can help lower these risks. A balance between these two types of cholesterol is crucial.

Can High Cholesterol Cause Dizziness?

High cholesterol itself does not directly cause dizziness. Instead, it's the conditions that high cholesterol can lead to that might make you feel dizzy.

Conditions Caused by High Cholesterol

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): When you have high levels of LDL cholesterol, it can lead to the buildup of plaques in your arteries. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. These plaques can narrow the coronary arteries, which supply blood to your heart. If your heart doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood, you can experience dizziness along with other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
2. Stroke: High cholesterol can also increase the risk of stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of your brain is blocked or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This can happen when a plaque from an artery breaks off and travels to the brain. Symptoms of a stroke can include sudden dizziness, loss of balance, and confusion.

How Narrowed or Blocked Blood Vessels Affect Blood Flow

When plaques build up in your arteries, they make the arteries narrower. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, restricts the flow of blood. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to your organs and tissues. When the blood flow to your brain is reduced, it can cause dizziness.

Key Mechanism:

• Reduced Blood Flow: Narrowed arteries mean less blood can flow through them.
• Oxygen Deprivation: With less blood reaching the brain, oxygen and nutrient supplies are also reduced.
• Dizziness: The brain needs a constant supply of oxygen. When it's deprived, you can feel dizzy, lightheaded, or unsteady.

Symptoms of Related Conditions

CAD Symptoms:

• Dizziness: Often due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
• Chest Pain: Known as angina, occurs when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen.
• Shortness of Breath: Can occur with or without chest pain.

Stroke Symptoms:

• Sudden Dizziness: A key sign that blood flow to the brain has been interrupted.
• Loss of Balance or Coordination: Makes it difficult to stand or walk.
• Confusion: Trouble speaking or understanding speech.

Understanding how high cholesterol can indirectly cause dizziness through these serious conditions emphasizes the importance of maintaining balanced cholesterol levels. By keeping your cholesterol in check, you help ensure that your blood vessels stay clear and your brain gets the blood flow it needs.

How to Diagnose High Cholesterol

Medical History and Physical Exams

Diagnosing high cholesterol starts with a visit to your healthcare provider. They will take your medical history and perform a physical exam.

• Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your diet, exercise habits, smoking, and alcohol consumption. They will also inquire about any family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.
• Physical Exam: During the exam, the doctor might look for physical signs of high cholesterol, such as xanthomas—fatty deposits that appear as bumps on the skin.

Lipid Panels

To measure cholesterol levels in your blood, doctors use a test called a lipid panel, often as part of a metabolic panel. This test requires a small blood sample and provides detailed information about your cholesterol levels.

• Total Cholesterol: Measures all cholesterol in your blood.
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "bad" cholesterol because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries.
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as "good" cholesterol as it helps remove LDL from your bloodstream.
• Triglycerides: A type of fat in your blood. High levels can increase your risk of heart disease.

For those in Canada, provincial insurances such as OHIP usually fully covers the cost.

Additional Tests

For those with a family history of heart disease, additional tests may be necessary.

• Lipoprotein(a): This test measures lipoprotein(a) levels in your blood. High levels of lipoprotein(a) can increase your risk of heart disease. Your doctor might recommend this test if you have a strong family history of heart issues.

As this test is not usually covered by insurance, the out-of-pocket cost is usually $15 to $30 depending on the lab provider.

Regular Screenings

The need for regular cholesterol screenings depends on your age and risk factors.

• Children and Teens: Screening is recommended every five years starting from ages 9 to 11.
• Young Adults (20-39 years): Screen every five years, but more often if you have other risk factors.
• Middle-Aged Adults (40-65 years): Men should screen every one to two years starting at age 45, and women should start at age 55.
• Older Adults (65+ years): Annual screenings are generally advised.

Regular check-ups ensure that any changes in your cholesterol levels get detected early, allowing for timely intervention. This proactive approach can help you maintain balanced cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of dizziness and other serious health conditions related to high cholesterol.

What are the Warning Signs and Symptoms of High Cholesterol?

Often No Noticeable Symptoms

High cholesterol is often called a "silent" condition. Why? Because it typically shows no noticeable symptoms on its own. Many people don't realize they have high cholesterol until they undergo a blood test or experience serious complications like heart disease or stroke.

Symptoms of Extremely High Cholesterol

In cases where cholesterol levels are extremely high, some physical signs may appear. These symptoms are rare but important to recognize:

• Xanthomas: These are fatty deposits that appear as yellowish bumps under the skin, often found on the elbows, knees, hands, feet, or buttocks.
• Grayish-White Rings Around the Corneas: Known as corneal arcus, these rings can indicate high cholesterol levels. They appear as a gray or white arc around the cornea of the eye.

Symptoms of Related Conditions

While high cholesterol itself might be silent, it can lead to conditions that have noticeable symptoms. These related conditions include stroke, coronary artery disease (CAD), and heart attacks. Recognize the symptoms of these conditions as they might indicate high cholesterol:

Stroke Symptoms:

• Face Drooping: One side of the face may droop or feel numb.
• Arm Weakness: Sudden weakness or numbness in one arm.
• Speech Difficulty: Trouble speaking or understanding speech.
• Confusion: Sudden confusion or trouble understanding.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or losing balance.
• Severe Headache: Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
• Vision Problems: Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Symptoms:

• Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain in the chest, often described as pressure or squeezing.
• Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or dizzy.
• Nausea: Feeling sick to the stomach.
• Cold Sweat: Sudden sweating without exertion.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing even at rest.

Heart Attack Symptoms:

• Chest Pain or Discomfort: Pain in the center or left side of the chest.
• Pain in Upper Body: Pain that spreads to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of Breath: Trouble breathing with or without chest discomfort.
• Cold Sweat, Nausea, or Lightheadedness: These symptoms often accompany chest pain.

Recognizing these symptoms can be lifesaving. If you or someone you know experiences these signs, seek medical attention immediately. Detecting high cholesterol early and managing it effectively can prevent these serious conditions.

Prevention Strategies for High Cholesterol

Dietary Changes

A healthy diet plays a crucial role in managing cholesterol levels. Incorporate these changes to improve your diet:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Aim for at least five servings a day. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, which help lower cholesterol.
• Whole Grains: Choose whole-grain products like oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-wheat bread. These foods help reduce LDL, the "bad" cholesterol.
• Lean Proteins: Opt for lean meats, fish, and plant-based proteins like beans and lentils. Fish like salmon and mackerel are excellent because they contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower triglycerides.

Limiting Harmful Substances

Certain foods and drinks can negatively impact your cholesterol levels. Limit these to maintain a healthier balance:

• Saturated Fats: Found in red meat and full-fat dairy products, these fats can raise your LDL levels. Choose low-fat or fat-free options.
• Trans Fats: Often found in processed foods and baked goods, trans fats are harmful and should be avoided.
• Excessive Alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can lead to high cholesterol and other health issues. Stick to moderate consumption—one drink per day for women and up to two for men.

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise is a powerful tool in the fight against high cholesterol. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Benefits of regular physical activity include:

• Weight Management: Helps in maintaining a healthy weight, which is crucial for controlling cholesterol levels.
• Boosting HDL: Exercise raises HDL, the "good" cholesterol, which assists in removing LDL from the bloodstream.
• Improving Overall Heart Health: Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Regular Check-Ups and Monitoring

Regular medical check-ups are essential for keeping cholesterol in check. Here’s why you should prioritize them:

• Lipid Panels: Blood tests that measure cholesterol levels. These should be done at least every five years for adults over 20. More frequent tests may be necessary based on risk factors.
• Early Detection: Regular screenings can catch high cholesterol before it leads to serious complications.
• Personalized Advice: Your healthcare provider can offer tailored advice based on your health status and family history.

The metabolic panel we offer at TeleTest includes both a lipid panel and lipoprotein A test amongst other tests for a comprehensive view of your metabolic health. By making these lifestyle changes and staying proactive with medical check-ups, you can effectively manage your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of related health issues.

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal health concerns.