Why cholesterol is bad for you High cholesterol is often a symptomless but potentially deadly condition, earning it the title of a “silent killer”. Most people will not realise they have high cholesterol until after an associated medical emergency or if they have their levels tested by a doctor. If you have high cholesterol, which is known medically as hypercholesterolemia, it means you have too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood .
While this may not initially cause any issues, over time it can raise your risk for a number of serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes . Cholesterol can build-up in the arteries leading to blockages, preventing blood from getting through. It is also a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease , which is the leading cause of death around the world, causing nearly 18 million fatalities annually.
And in the UK cardiovascular disease is linked to around a quarter of all deaths. READ MORE Four red flag symptoms of ‘preventable’ silent killer cancer to spot Some signs of high cholesterol can appear in the feet (Image: Getty Images) The NHS warns that high cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. “You can only find out if you have it from a blood test,” the health body says.
However, there are a few red flag signs that could prove lifesaving if spotted early. This includes if you develop a condition called peripheral arterial disease (PAD) - a condition where a build-up of fatty deposits in the.
