Does High Cholesterol Cause Headaches? — A Collection of Insights by CARE

How Do High Cholesterol Levels Affect Your Body?

Cholesterol, a type of lipid (fat), resembles a waxy substance circulating within your bloodstream. This lipid plays a crucial role in your body, essential for constructing cell membranes, synthesizing certain hormones, and producing vitamin D. The cholesterol in your blood originates from two primary sources: it is either synthesized by your liver or derived from your dietary intake. [1]

There are two principal categories of cholesterol: HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein).

HDL is often referred to as the “good” cholesterol because it aids in the removal of other cholesterol forms from your bloodstream, thus preventing them from causing harm. Conversely, LDL is labeled as the “bad” cholesterol due to its tendency to accumulate on the walls of your arteries as plaque. This buildup can lead to a higher risk of heart disease by narrowing the arteries and impeding blood flow. [1]

The danger of cholesterol arises when its levels in the blood escalate excessively, leading to a heightened risk of arterial blockages. Such situations occur when excessive cholesterol forms the mentioned fatty deposits, referred to as plaque, within your blood vessels, thereby restricting the flow of blood and potentially leading to serious cardiovascular issues. [1]

Now you have an idea of what cholesterol is. Let us explore what causes high cholesterol and what normal cholesterol levels look like.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

The journey to understanding what elevates cholesterol levels entails examining a combination of lifestyle choices and genetic factors that can significantly increase your risk for heart-related diseases.

CARE has curated an overview of the primary causes for elevated cholesterol levels:

• Dietary Habits: Indulging in foods rich in saturated fats (like those found in red meat and dairy products) and trans fats (fried and processed foods) can significantly increase your cholesterol levels. [3]

• Physical Inactivity: Leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain, which is directly linked to an increase in LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) and a decrease in HDL (the “good” cholesterol). [4]

• Obesity: Carrying extra weight, particularly around the waist, and living with diabetes can adversely affect your cholesterol levels, tipping the scales towards an unhealthy balance. [3]

• Smoking: The act of smoking inflicts harm on your blood vessels and reduces levels of HDL cholesterol. The bad habit of smoking is a known risk factor for heart disease and facilitates the accumulation of tar in arteries, making them more prone to cholesterol buildup. [3]

• Drinking too Much: Drinking alcohol in excess can elevate the levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood, leading to an increase in blood pressure and a heightened risk of heart disease. [5]

• Age and Gender: Cholesterol levels naturally increase with age. Women generally have lower total cholesterol levels than men until menopause, after which women's LDL levels tend to rise. [5]

• Genetic Factors: In some cases, high cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, is a trait inherited from one's family, making it challenging to manage through diet alone. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, your risk is inherently higher. Certain ethnic groups, including French Canadians, Ashkenazi Jews, and Lebanese, are also at a heightened risk for genetic hypercholesterolemia and may require medication to manage their cholesterol levels effectively. [6]

What Are Normal Cholesterol Levels?

The normal cholesterol levels, according to the Cleveland Clinic, based on age and sex, are summarized as follows [1]:

For people 19 and younger:

• Total cholesterol: Below 170 mg/dL
• Non-HDL cholesterol: Below 120 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol: Below 110 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol: Above 45 mg/dL

For men 20 and older:

• Total cholesterol: 125 to 200 mg/dL
• Non-HDL cholesterol: Below 130 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol: Below 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol: 40 mg/dL or higher

For women 20 and older:

• Total cholesterol: 125 to 200 mg/dL
• Non-HDL cholesterol: Below 130 mg/dL
• LDL cholesterol: Below 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol: 50 mg/dL or higher

You have a good understanding now of what cholesterol is and why high cholesterol levels can occur.

Now, we want to answer the main question of this article: “Can high cholesterol cause headaches and dizziness?”

Does High Cholesterol Cause Headaches?

Since high cholesterol levels in your blood can restrict blood flow through plaque buildup, this can also include restricted blood flow to the brain, which can trigger headaches or migraines. [2]

Another aspect that links high cholesterol to headaches is the amount of stress you experience. Research has revealed that stress doesn't just momentarily elevate your cholesterol levels; it can also have a long-lasting impact on them. While the exact reasons behind this remain unclear, it's understood that stress particularly boosts the levels of bad LDL cholesterol in your body. Keep in mind what matters most is not the amount of stress you face but how you respond to it and deal with it. [7]

The more anger and hostility stress generates within you, the higher your levels of LDL and triglycerides are likely to climb. Stress triggers your body to create more energy, manifesting as metabolic fuels, leading your liver to ramp up its production and release of LDL, the harmful type of cholesterol. Additionally, stress can hamper your body's efficiency in clearing out lipids. So, managing stress effectively is key to controlling not just your emotional well-being but your cholesterol levels, too. [7]

Symptoms of High Cholesterol

If you're concerned about high cholesterol, it's important to realize that it often doesn't present any obvious symptoms on its own. It is a silent condition that can quietly affect your health, leading to serious complications if left unchecked. [8]

However, understanding the potential consequences associated with long-term high cholesterol can help you stay vigilant about your health.

Here's what high cholesterol levels can lead to if left untreated:

• Chest Pain: If cholesterol buildup leads to heart disease, one of the first signs can be chest pain or discomfort, especially when exercising or under stress. It is indispensable that you seek medical assistance if you experience chest pain.

• Shortness of Breath: When the heart cannot pump enough blood due to narrowed arteries, it might result in shortness of breath during activities.

• Fatigue: Reduced blood flow from narrowed arteries can leave you feeling unusually tired and fatigued.

• Numbness or Weakness in Limbs: If high cholesterol leads to arterial blockage, it can cause a lack of blood flow to your limbs, resulting in numbness or weakness.

• High Blood Pressure: While not a symptom of high cholesterol itself, it's often a companion issue due to narrowed arteries forcing the heart to work harder.

• Stroke Symptoms: Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body, trouble speaking, or difficulty seeing in one or both eyes can be signs of a stroke, potentially linked to cholesterol-related artery blockage. Call the ambulance if you recognize any stroke signs on yourself or another person.

Please remember that high cholesterol itself is largely detectable through blood tests rather than physical symptoms.

Therefore, regular health check-ups are essential, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease, or lifestyle factors like smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise.

How Can You Treat Headaches Caused by High Cholesterol Levels?

If you're experiencing headaches that you suspect are linked to high cholesterol levels, it's essential to address both the immediate discomfort and, more importantly, the underlying health issue. While high cholesterol itself is unlikely to cause headaches directly, the conditions associated with cardiovascular health can indirectly lead to severe headaches.

Here's how you can tackle your high cholesterol levels [2]:

1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: The first step is to confirm whether you have high cholesterol and rule out other causes. A healthcare provider can offer personalized advice and treatment options.
2. Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Embrace a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reducing the intake of saturated and trans fats found in processed foods can help lower cholesterol levels and improve overall cardiovascular health. A healthy diet is paramount for your overall health.
3. Increase Physical Activity: Regular exercise can help manage weight, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: If you're overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can have a significant impact on lowering your cholesterol levels and improving your health, which can, in turn, reduce headaches related to health issues.
5. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Consumption: Smoking cessation and moderating alcohol intake can improve your overall health, reducing the risk of headaches and lowering cholesterol levels.
6. Manage Stress: High stress levels can contribute to headaches and have a negative impact on your heart health and overall well-being. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress and teach you valuable coping mechanisms to deal better with stressful situations.
7. Cholesterol-Lowering Medication: If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your cholesterol to a healthy level, your doctor may prescribe medication. Medications can help manage your cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of complications associated with high cholesterol, including headaches due to impaired blood flow. [4] Please note that some medications can have side effects, such as headaches.
8. Monitor Your Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can cause headaches and is closely linked with cholesterol levels.