Cholesterol plays a vital role in the body, but an excess amount of it can increase the risk of developing diseases. Cholesterol is produced by the liver which looks like a waxy fat-like substance. It plays a crucial role in the development of cell membranes, vitamin D, and various hormones.
Since it does not dissolve in water, it can freely travel throughout the body. Two major forms of lipoproteins help transport cholesterol through the bloodstream. This is the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
LDL and HDL
According to Healthline, LDL is also known as the bad cholesterol that people want to avoid. It can build up in the arteries that would lead to serious health problems, such as heart attack and stroke. That is why eating too many foods high in fat is not advisable as it increases the LDL in the body, which could lead to hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia.
Meanwhile, HDL is the opposite of LDL, as it is called the good cholesterol. It helps return the LDL to the liver to be eliminated.
If the LDL cholesterol is too high and the HDL cholesterol is too low, fatty deposits could build up in the blood vessels that could make it difficult for the blood to flow through the arteries, causing diseases affecting the heart and brain. The worst-case scenario is that it could cause death.
Frequent Headache in the Back
Health care body Medicover Hospitals explained that a frequent headache in the back of the head could be a sign of high cholesterol.
"The blockage of blood vessels in the area around the head causes a headache in the back of the head. This occurs when the blood vessels are clogged by the cholesterol plaque. If this is left unchecked, the blood vessels can rupture and cause a stroke," Medicover wrote.
However, Medicover emphasized that the only way to know for sure if the LDL cholesterol in one's body is too high is to get a blood test from a healthcare professional.
They also added that this is not the only sign of high LDL cholesterol. A person should also be aware of the pain in their hands and feet, and the frequent tingling of hands and legs, according to AJC News.
Medicover wrote that accumulation of LDL cholesterol could clog the blood vessels in the hands and feet that cause pain. While high cholesterol levels could make the blood flow thick and affect its normal flow, therefore causing the tingling sensation in both hands and legs.
Diseases Associated With High Cholesterol
According to Healthline, high LDL cholesterol levels could cause diseases relating to the heart and the brain. One of which is coronary heart disease, which is the number killer in the United States. Its symptoms include chest pain, nausea, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, pain in the neck, jaw, and back, as well as numbness in the lower extremities.
Moreover, other diseases associated with high LDL cholesterol are stroke, heart attack, and peripheral arterial disease. The American Heart Association recommends having one's cholesterol level checked every four to six years for a healthy adult over the age of 20. But if a person is at risk, it is advisable to check it more often.
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