Master, Doctor Doan Vinh Binh, from the Medical Information Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, states that dyslipidemia (also known as high blood fat) is a leading risk factor for atherosclerosis, which causes blood vessels to narrow or become blocked. However, high blood fat often progresses silently, making it difficult to detect in early stages. The following signs indicate potential blood vessel damage, necessitating early medical attention.

Fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain during exertion

Chest pain or discomfort typically appears during strenuous work or physical exertion and subsides with rest. This may signal myocardial ischemia, caused by atherosclerotic plaques narrowing the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart.

Myocardial ischemia also impairs heart function, leading to rapid fatigue and shortness of breath during physical activity. This symptom is easily mistaken for signs of aging or the body's normal response to exertion.

A nurse at Tam Anh General Hospital checks a patient's blood pressure. *Photo: Hospital provided*

Headaches, dizziness, and forgetfulness

Symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, and loss of balance may appear upon waking or when moving. This is due to atherosclerotic plaques causing insufficient blood flow to the brain, affecting neural connections, sleep quality, and memory. These transient symptoms are often overlooked.

Numbness, tingling, and cold limbs

This symptom can result from atherosclerotic plaque buildup, narrowing arteries in the limbs and reducing blood flow to the extremities. In the lower limbs, patients may experience intermittent claudication (pain in the calves, thighs, or buttocks during activity that subsides with rest). This condition also causes numbness, tingling, and cold hands or feet, often accompanied by cramps.

To control blood fat and limit the progression of atherosclerosis, Doctor Binh recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes a balanced diet, reduced saturated fat intake, increased vegetable consumption, regular exercise, and periodic health check-ups. Regular supplementation with GDL-5 extract, containing natural policosanol from South American sugarcane wax, supports blood fat regulation, helps protect blood vessels, and prevents cardiovascular complications.

Dinh Dieu