There are three common highs in medicine — high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Among the “three highs,” high cholesterol is the most common.
Blood lipids are substances like cholesterol and triglycerides that are present in blood circulation. They do not dissolve in the blood and exist in a non-dissociated state, meaning they are not broken down into smaller components. Hyperlipidemia, also known as high cholesterol, means you have too many lipids (fats) in your blood.
Once the content of blood lipids exceeds normal levels, the blood will become thicker, or more viscous. As a large amount of lipids continues to accumulate in the blood, the blood vessels start to narrow and may even become blocked, which can cause cerebral infarction (stroke) or myocardial infarction (heart attack). When severe, conditions such as these can often lead to disability and even death.
Most patients with hyperlipidemia usually do not realize they have the condition until they are diagnosed with it after having bloodwork done. But there are, in fact, some potential telltale signs of hyperlipidemia.
Let’s look at 4 manifestations that may indicate that your blood lipids are elevated.
Be alert to these 4 potential signs of hyperlipidemia
1. Leg cramps
Leg cramps are often thought to be a result of low levels of electrolytes like potassium or magnesium, but in reality, they can also be caused by hyperlipidemia.
Particularly while sleeping at night, cramping may appear in the legs, feet, and toes due to the abnormal metabolism of cholesterol in the body. This leads to the accumulation of a large amount of lipids in the muscles of the human body, which hinders the normal circulation of blood. If the body tissues do not receive enough blood supply, they may not get the necessary oxygen they require, which can cause cramps.
2. Snoring like thunder
If snoring is something you’ve never done in the past and just started recently doing, you should consider the possibility that it could be related to high blood lipids. Snoring loudly could be an indicator that the blood lipid content has exceeded normal levels, leading to decreased oxygen supply and symptoms similar to sleep apnea, which is a condition where a person stops breathing for short periods of time during sleep. In such a case, you should follow up with your doctor for a physical exam.
3. Cold legs and feet
If your legs and feet feel cold while sleeping at night, it may be a problem of hyperlipidemia. Since the feet are at the very end of the human body, when blood circulation slows down, the blood oxygen supply to the legs also slows down. Without proper nourishment, the legs will thus cool down, resulting in cold legs and feet.
4. Feeling sleepy all the time
The red blood cells in the human blood are mainly responsible for transporting oxygen to various tissues of the body. When hyperlipidemia occurs, blood circulation is relatively slow, which will affect the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. This can result in a lack of blood oxygen supply to the brain, leading to drowsiness, fatigue, and weakness.
As mentioned, hyperlipidemia can cause the narrowing of blood vessels and plaque buildup. This can cause a lack of oxygen and reduced blood flow to the brain, as previously discussed, causing people to feel that they did not get enough sleep. They may find themselves yawning and wanting to nap during the day as a result.
In conclusion
While these things may not be anything significant, or perhaps occurring due to a number of other reasons, it is worth talking with your physician if they do not resolve, as hyperlipidemia can have serious health consequences.
If you are diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, it’s important to make lifestyle changes, such as changing your eating habits, getting regular exercise, and stopping smoking. You should also work with your doctor to keep your cholesterol within a reasonable range to reduce the risk of any complications. You can work with your doctor to decide on the best treatment plan, which may include medications.
Translated by Patty Zhang
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