Coronary artery disease

High cholesterol is a common cause of coronary artery disease, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Narrowed arteries make it difficult for blood to nourish the heart muscle, sometimes causing chest pain or angina during exertion.

The condition may be asymptomatic until a heart attack occurs, caused by plaque rupture and blood clots obstructing blood flow. Typical signs include chest tightness, pain radiating to the arm or jaw, shortness of breath, and sweating.

Ischemic stroke

Atherosclerosis affecting arteries supplying blood to the brain can lead to ischemic stroke. This occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow, depriving part of the brain of oxygen. Symptoms often appear suddenly, including weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, facial drooping, slurred speech, confusion, and vision loss. Stroke can cause permanent disability, making cholesterol control crucial.

Renal artery stenosis

Kidneys filter blood and regulate blood pressure, but renal arteries are prone to plaque buildup. Renal artery stenosis often causes no symptoms in its early stages. As the condition worsens, two problems typically arise: persistent high blood pressure and impaired kidney function, indicated by elevated creatinine levels.

Hypertension

High cholesterol and hypertension often coexist. Atherosclerotic plaques stiffen and narrow arteries, forcing blood to flow through at high pressure. Over time, this constant stress damages arterial walls. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss. By lowering cholesterol early, it becomes easier to maintain blood pressure at safe levels.

Xanthomas

Unlike many other complications, cutaneous xanthomas are directly visible on the skin surface. These are firm, yellowish lumps formed by cholesterol deposits under the skin, often appearing on the Achilles tendons, elbows, and hands. This condition is common in individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia—a genetic disorder causing high cholesterol from an early age. Xanthomas are a warning sign of dangerous cholesterol levels and require monitoring.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia

High cholesterol can also damage arteries supplying blood to the intestines, leading to chronic mesenteric ischemia. Individuals with this condition often experience abdominal pain approximately 15-30 minutes after eating, resulting in appetite loss and unintentional weight reduction. If blood flow is severely restricted, intestinal tissue can be damaged, leading to a life-threatening condition.

By Le Nguyen (According to *Times of India*)