Winter can make many health conditions worse, and high cholesterol is no exception. Cold weather can accentuate the effects of high cholesterol, often leading to more subtle and unusual symptoms that may go unnoticed. Here are eight unexpected signs that could indicate your cholesterol levels are impacting your health during the winter months:
1. Sensitivity to cold in the extremities:
If your hands and feet are constantly cold, it could be due to poor circulation caused by high cholesterol. Plaque buildup in the arteries reduces blood flow to the extremities by narrowing blood vessels, making your body more sensitive to low temperatures.
2. Chronic fatigue:
According to Dr Rohit Goel, senior consultant cardiology at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Gurugram, “Feeling tired beyond normal limits, especially in winter when days are short, could be a sign of high cholesterol. Inadequate blood circulation and pressure on the heart from blocked arteries can cause increased fatigue as the body struggles to supply oxygen and nutrients.”
3. Shortness of breath:
This may trigger asthma-like symptoms or worsen other asthmatic conditions. Unusual, unexplained shortness of breath during the winter months, especially when little effort is required to breathe, may be a sign that high cholesterol is blocking good blood flow to your lungs and heart.
4. Cold and bluish skin:
Cholesterol can reduce the supply of oxygenated blood to the skin, making it pale or bluish, especially on the extremities. This indicates that circulation is compromised due to blocked arteries.
5. Chest discomfort or pressure:
As Yogendra Singh Rajput, associate director of cardiology at Marengo Asia Hospitals in Gurugram, says, “Chest pain is often associated with heart problems, but can also manifest itself subtly in winter, especially when the body is under stress. stress due to cold temperatures. High cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease, and cold air can exacerbate chest discomfort.”
6. High blood pressure:
A natural increase in blood pressure can occur in winter, but if it coincides with high cholesterol, it’s a red flag. Persistently high blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular problems.
7. Cold temperatures:
Joint pain tends to get worse in cold weather. With high cholesterol, this inflammation spreads to the arteries, causing pain where blood flow is reduced.
8. Unexplained digestive problems:
If you experience bloating or digestive upset more frequently during the cold months, high cholesterol could be to blame. Clogged arteries can compromise blood flow to the digestive system, leading to problems such as constipation or bloating.
In conclusion, although high cholesterol generally does not present obvious symptoms, the cold season can reveal signs that can be confused with seasonal conditions. It is therefore essential to consult a healthcare professional if such symptoms occur.
Signs of dangerously high cholesterol levels to spot in your legs
