Understanding Hypercholesterolemia

Health is important, especially the health of your heart. One of the leading causes of cardiovascular problems is hypercholesterolemia. While you might not have heard this specific name before, you definitely know the concept. So, what is hypercholesterolemia? In essence, it is another term for high cholesterol. Now, cholesterol is something that you body requires in order to accomplish important functions such as the production of several vital hormones. Your body, however, does not require much to produce the cholesterol that it needs. There are two basic types of cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoprotein. Often, people tend to consume more foods containing low-density lipoprotein, which is the kind of cholesterol that, in excess, will lead to cardiovascular issues. In order to know if you are at risk for specific diseases, it is important to take a look at the hypercholesterolemia symptoms.

Take a Breath

Breathing is an involuntary action of the body. Due to this, it can be very easy to notice when something has gone wrong with the normal flow of air into your system. If you have experienced any shortness of breath at a time that seems unusual, then it could be pointing to signs of high cholesterol or heart disease. In cases of cardiovascular disease, it is not uncommon for a shortness of breath to develop while a person is in a state of rest. This means that you will be more likely to be dealing with a heart problem if you cannot catch your breath while sitting down than you are if it is difficult to take a deep breath after a long run.

Yellowing Skin

One of the easier hypercholesterolemia symptoms to spot has to do with your skin. In some people who have specific types of high cholesterol, it is not unusual for the skin to develop yellow patches. These are generally easy to notice, as a discoloration to the skin is often a simple change to spot by you or someone that you know. The common mistake made when these patches appear is to go to a skin specialist. In truth, this sign might be related to hypercholesterolemia and a heart doctor might be a better bet.

A Family Affair

Finally, one unfortunate aspect of high cholesterol levels in your system is that you do not always have to have developed it on your own. Many people live with familial hypercholesterolemia, which is a kind of high cholesterol that is passed down genetically. In cases such as this, it is a good idea to speak with your parents and grandparents, if possible, about your family’s medical history. Knowing this information can help you to find the right treatment for your condition.

There are plenty of reasons to pay attention to your cholesterol levels. Being able to spot hypercholesterolemia symptoms early might prevent you from developing more serious cardiovascular issues down the line. The health of your heart is important, and you should do everything possible to keep it in good shape so that it will last. See a doctor to get answers about your cholesterol, and your heart, and you will be doing your part to understand how to improve your well-being.

Weston Barnes is a write and an avid reader. When he's not writing about business, marketing, health, pets, or relationships, he's immersed in his latest book.