As opposed to common belief, cholesterol is an integral part of our body and helps in various bodily functions. For instance, it helps build the structure of cell membranes and also facilitates the production of hormones like oestrogen, testosterone, and adrenal. But it is also true that too much cholesterol, particularly Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or ‘bad’ cholesterol, can impact the heart and increase your risk of various Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs).
Many times, high cholesterol goes unnoticed in its early stages, as it typically presents no obvious signs or symptoms. However, there are subtle indicators that may suggest the need for testing, prompting early detection and management. This includes fatigue.
Also Read: Are You Taking Statins For Cholesterol Management? Here Are Mistakes You Should Avoid
What It Means To Have Asymptomatic High Cholesterol
Being asymptomatic means having no symptoms of a particular illness. Asymptomatic high cholesterol means that a person with a condition may not even realise they have it, as it does not show any symptoms.
High cholesterol levels are typically categorised as total cholesterol levels of 200 mg/dL or higher. However, it's important to consider other factors like LDL cholesterol and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), or 'good' cholesterol, when assessing heart health risk.
A total cholesterol level between 200 and 239 mg/dL is often considered borderline high, while levels of 240 mg/dL or above are considered very high.
Can High Cholesterol Cause Extreme Tiredness?
The short answer is yes.
Fatigue or extreme tiredness can often be an indicator of high cholesterol. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Vaibhav Dedhia, Consultant Cardiologist, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, explains that extreme tiredness can occur if and when there are cholesterol deposits in the arteries, which supply blood to the heart or the brain.
"At rest, there may be no symptoms, but activity may result in symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, and, at times, even chest pain," he adds.
How To Diagnose High Cholesterol
According to Dr Dedhia, a lipid profile test at the lab can help diagnose high cholesterol levels.
It is a blood test that measures different lipids or fat molecules, including LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol in the body.
You can also keep an eye out for specific symptoms, such as breathlessness and chest pain, and watch out for other conditions like Peripheral Artery Disease, high blood pressure, and stroke, which may be linked to high cholesterol levels.
Also Read: Signs In Your Legs You Shouldn't Ignore: High cholesterol and Peripheral Artery Disease
Management Tips
Dr Dedhia recommends various lifestyle changes.
He says diet modification to reduce fat intake can help regulate cholesterol levels and manage other heart-related conditions like high blood pressure. The American Heart Association (AHA) advises reducing saturated fat in meat and poultry, eating more fish, cooking fresh vegetables, lowering dairy fats, and increasing fibre and whole grains in one's diet.
Additionally, regular physical activity like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, or outdoor games, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption can also help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.