High Cholesterol
Another common issue, especially in the United States, is that high cholesterol affects over ninety million American adults over the age of twenty. Unfortunately, because it doesn’t present symptoms in most cases, it’s possible to go unnoticed until it develops severe complications like a stroke or heart attack. Because high cholesterol rarely, if ever, produces any indicators or signs, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and get regular check-ups.
Generally, the cause of high cholesterol is associated with the excessive consumption of foods high in fat. Obesity is another factor that can contribute to its onset. Lifestyle habits like smoking and inactivity may also contribute to its development. In some cases, genetics can influence the risk of high cholesterol. Medical conditions like hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and diabetes are risk factors that may lead to it too.
While common, high cholesterol can be life-threatening if left untreated, as it builds plaque and narrows the arteries, restricting blood flow and raising the chances of developing blood clots. It’s a condition referred to as atherosclerosis, and it can lead to complications, including chronic kidney and peripheral vascular disorder, chest pain or angina, bile imbalance, strokes, and heart attack.
