While high cholesterol often doesn’t present with noticeable symptoms, there are some warning signs that you could look out for. Particularly at night, some red flags become more apparent when lying still in bed.
Chest pain is one of the biggest and most common problems you can face when dealing with heightened cholesterol. This sensation is due to a build-up of artery-clogging plaque that restricts blood flow to the heart and increases someone’s risk of a heart attack.
Experiencing chest pain can be a scary feeling that is often easier to spot while lying down in bed. More information about this symptom and what it could mean is available online.
People could also suffer from dizziness when changing positions in bed if they are struggling with high cholesterol. The feeling of light-headedness is due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
A lack of blood flow through clogged arteries can also lead to feelings of restlessness, especially in your legs. You may be more prone to restless leg syndrome (RLS) in the bedroom when dealing with high cholesterol, reports the Mirror.
Research suggests a link between increased cholesterol levels and the risk of developing RLS, with studies showing that individuals diagnosed with the condition often have higher total LDL cholesterol levels (known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol) compared to those without the condition.
While you’re tucked up in bed, you might notice symptoms that could otherwise be overlooked during the day, such as experiencing pain or cramping in your legs at night, especially when raising them. This could suggest poor circulation due to narrowed arteries in your legs.
You might also find yourself feeling a bit breathless. This is another sign of clogged arteries making your heart work even harder.
There are signs to look out for all over you body, and some are quite a distance from the heart. For example, you may notice that your hands and feet are cold and tingling, even though they’re under the covers.
This can also be attributed to reduced blood flow, causing certain parts of your body to feel cooler than others. These symptoms could potentially lead the NHS to diagnose you with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition often associated with high cholesterol leading to fatty deposits in the arteries.
However, it’s important to remember that these symptoms could also be related to other health issues. The only definitive way to determine if you have high cholesterol is through a blood test with your doctor.
The NHS lists some of the common ways that a doctor will suggest to lower cholesterol, including medication and major lifestyle changes. Your GP will usually suggest cutting out certain fatty foods, smoking, and alcohol while encouraging exercise and better diet choices.