Your Guide to Hypercholesterolemia Symptoms and Early Signs by — is a condition that causes extremely high cholesterol levels. Your body has two kinds of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol: (LDL) and (HDL). LDL cholesterol is often called the “bad” cholesterol because of its effects on your heart. HDL cholesterol is often called the “good” cholesterol because this lipoprotein helps to carry LDL cholesterol away to your liver for processing. Doctors consider having higher levels of HDL cholesterol beneficial for your body, while high LDL cholesterol levels can be harmful. include the following:130 mg/dL with two cardiovascular risk factors (such as obesity, smoking, or high blood pressure) 160 mg/dL with one cardiovascular risk factor190 mg/dL with no known risk factors Some people can have genetic mutations that cause hypercholesterolemia. These mutations can cause cholesterol levels that are . Cholesterol levels this high can result in heart attacks or strokes at an early age. Hypercholesterolemia symptoms in adults. When it becomes severe, it can sometimes cause cardiac problems or chest pain. In some severe cases, it can lead to or nephrotic disease. These conditions can cause symptoms that the following: (slow heart rate) , which causes a yellow tint to your skin and eyes Those with high cholesterol levels can also experience a high buildup of cholesterol in their blood vessels. This affects blood flow and can affect the ability to feel pulses in your body. If a healthcare professional was to listen to your pulses with a stethoscope, they might hear bruits. These are abnormal, swishing sounds that indicate blood isn’t flowing as it should.

Hypercholesterolemia symptoms in adults vs children

Hypercholesterolemia doesn’t commonly occur in children. However, an estimated of children with obesity have high cholesterol. Children don’t usually show symptoms when they have high cholesterol. However, childhood obesity, a family history of hypercholesterolemia, and abdominal obesity of high cholesterol.

High cholesterol symptoms in the feet

High cholesterol in your feet known as . These are cholesterol deposits that build up on tendons, ligaments, or other areas of your Achilles tendon (back of the foot) or backs of your hands. These nodules may start small and grow in size. They in those with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). If you undergo treatment for high cholesterol, these xanthomas will often go away.

Familial hypercholesterolemia symptoms

is a genetic condition that causes a person to develop high LDL cholesterol levels. The condition is also known as “pure hypercholesterolemia.” These higher levels , including a higher risk of heart disease and heart attacks at a young age. Those with FH may have some :bumps or lumps that develop around your elbows, knees, or knuckles swelling or pain in the back part of your foot above your ankle, where your is a whitish-gray color in the shape of a half-moon that develops outside the colored portion of your eye yellow-tinged areas that develop around your eyes If you have a family history of FH, talk with a doctor about it. They may wish to perform early or regular cholesterol testing.Familial hypercholesterolemia can cause unusual symptoms such as yellow-tinged patches around the eyes, and changes to the whites of your eyes.

Polygenic hypercholesterolemia symptoms

Polygenic hypercholesterolemia is a condition that causes high LDL cholesterol levels with normal triglyceride levels. This condition is . The condition doesn’t usually cause symptoms. However, the high cholesterol levels that polygenic hypercholesterolemia causes for stroke and coronary artery disease.

When to seek medical attention

Hypercholesterolemia can increase your risks for a cardiovascular event, such as a or . Getting medical care, even before you have early hypercholesterolemia symptoms, can ideally help you prevent these events. The condition usually isn’t a medical emergency. Seeing your physician for annual visits, discussing your risk factors for high cholesterol, and getting your cholesterol checked regularly can all help you identify any changes in your cholesterol levels. Sometimes, a doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or prescribe medications if your cholesterol is very high. Hypercholesterolemia can be due to lifestyle factors or inherited disorders. The condition doesn’t always cause symptoms, but it can contribute to unwanted side effects and health problems. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, talk with a doctor about testing. You may need to evaluate your risk factors and regularly check your cholesterol levels. Doctors can treat high cholesterol with lifestyle changes as well as prescription medications, , that lower your risks.

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Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Aug 26, 2022 By Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA Edited By Rayne Whitington Medically Reviewed By Lauren Castiello, MS, AGNP-C Copy Edited By Sarah Mills Share this article —