Symptoms of High Cholesterol

Many people erroneously think the symptoms of high cholesterol include such things as chest pains or tightness, which will alert them to the dangers of a heart attack. But this is often far from the truth.

The unfortunate fact of the matter is that, generally speaking, there are no symptoms of high cholesterol.

That is why having high cholesterol is sometimes referred to as "the silent killer," in the same way that hypertension (high blood pressure) is, because there aren't any symptoms, and people don't know until something tragic strikes.

Because elevated cholesterol doesn't cause any symptoms, the only way you can find out if your cholesterol is too high is to have your doctor perform the proper blood tests.

Many experts say that even the young, not just the middle aged or old, should have their cholesterol numbers checked at least every 5 years. This is excellent advice.

However, you should exercise commonsense and be even more vigilent in having your numbers checked based on the following factors:

This is the big one. If heart disease, heart attacks, and cardiovascular disease runs in your family history, you need to keep track of your cholesterol numbers very closely.

It doesn't matter if you're thin and seemingly fit if you have heart disease in your family history, because you can still have high cholesterol and be a ticking time bomb.

You should consider taking preventative measures, whether it be diet, using natural supplements to lower cholesterol, or talking to your doctor about using a prescription cholesterol lowering medication.

You don't need to be overweight to suffer from elevated cholesterol, but it certainly increases your chances of it. Therefore, if you are overweight, not only should you talk to a nutritionalist or dietician to get on a cholesterol lowering diet, but you need to have blood tests done more frequently to make sure you are headed in the right direction.

Yes, the older we get, especially into middle age, the greater the chance we have from suffering from high cholesterol. Again, just because you may feel great in middle age -- and don't exhibit any of the commonly (and wrongly) perceived symptoms of high cholesterol -- doesn't mean you shouldn't be on guard.

After all, we've all heard stories of people who were seemingly in great shape and then dropped dead from a heart attack suddenly.

Women tend to have lower cholesterol than men until they hit menopause and, as they progress thru it, their cholesterol levels tend to rise.

So, if you're a women, remain diligent and have your numbers checked. This needs to be emphasized because the media virtually ignores cardiovascular disease in women, and makes it apear that it is primarily a "man's disease" when this is far from the truth.

If you fall into any of the risk categories above, even without experiencing any symptoms of high cholesterol, there are natural remedies that can help you reduce your cholesterol safely.

However, if you do decide to try natural alternatives, make sure you talk to your doctor about them first.

There are also statin drugs your doctor can prescribe to you, but these can cause serious side effects, some of which may be life endangering. Make sure you discuss the benefits vs the risks with your physician so you can make a decision in good judgement.

Featured Natural Cholesterol Lowering Product

One product that uses natural nutrients that have been proven in clinical studies to safely lower cholesterol in many people is called "Cholesterol Formula," and is produced by Xtend-Life Natural Products, a cutting edge Nutraceutical company.

We personally use Xtend-Life Natural Products, including their Cholesterol reducing formula, even though we personally do not suffer any symptoms of high cholesterol.

We watch our diet, exercise, and maintain good physical fitness, however, one of the editors here at Beat-Your-Health-Condition has a strong family history of heart disease that runs in his family.

Therefore, taking preventative measures seems like a prudent course of action for him. As it may be for you.