High Cholesterol Symptoms and Health Risks

Many individuals with high cholesterol experience no noticeable symptoms, making it a silent but potentially dangerous condition. In some cases, patients may develop fatty deposits under the skin known as xanthomas, which can serve as an early warning sign. However, most people only discover they have high cholesterol through routine blood tests. When cholesterol levels are significantly elevated, some individuals may feel lightheaded, experience headaches, fatigue, or even excessive sleepiness.

If left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis — a buildup of plaque in the arteries that can affect multiple organs and systems throughout the body. This can result in serious complications involving the heart, brain, kidneys, and other vital organs. The most common and dangerous consequences of untreated high cholesterol include:

Cardiovascular Complications

Coronary Artery Disease: Prolonged high cholesterol levels can cause the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the coronary arteries. As these plaques grow and narrow the arteries, individuals may begin to experience angina — chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations. Over time, the severity of atherosclerosis increases, potentially leading to organ damage and life-threatening events such as heart attacks or sudden cardiac death. Coronary artery disease is one of the most common and dangerous outcomes of untreated high cholesterol.

Increased Risk of Hypertension

When atherosclerosis develops due to high cholesterol, it can impair heart function and cause arterial stiffness or spasms. This often leads to isolated systolic hypertension, a type of high blood pressure commonly seen in older adults. The relationship between high cholesterol and high blood pressure is bidirectional — each condition can worsen the other, accelerating the progression of cardiovascular disease.

Cerebrovascular Effects

Stroke and Cerebral Ischemia: Chronic high cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerosis in the arteries supplying blood to the brain. This can result in symptoms such as dizziness, vision disturbances, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Patients may also experience transient episodes of reduced blood flow to the brain, which can cause fainting or temporary neurological deficits. In severe cases, this can progress to ischemic stroke, a potentially disabling or fatal condition.

Kidney Damage

High cholesterol can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis in the small arteries within the kidneys, particularly affecting the glomeruli — the filtering units of the kidneys. This damage can reduce the glomerular filtration rate and ultimately lead to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure over time.

Liver Dysfunction

When cholesterol levels remain elevated for extended periods, the liver can become overwhelmed and begin to store excess fat, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). If left unchecked, this condition can progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and in some cases, liver failure or liver cancer. These complications significantly impair liver function and overall health.