Cholesterol is a type of fat present in your blood. While your body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to build healthy cells, too much of it can cause a build-up in your arteries.

This build-up, known as plaque, can lead to various health issues, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. What most people don’t know is that high cholesterol can also cause pain in different parts of the body.

Pain associated with high cholesterol

The pain resulting from high cholesterol might not be felt in the areas where plaque builds up. Instead, pain can be felt in other body parts as a result of restricted blood flow to vital organs caused by plaque in arteries.

Here are some types of pain that can be associated with high cholesterol:.

1. Chest pain

Chest pain is the most common pain associated with high cholesterol and can be a sign of coronary artery disease. This disease occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.

The chest pain may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest that lasts for a few minutes or goes away and comes back.

2. Leg pain

When the arteries in your legs become narrow due to plaque build-up, it can cause leg pain during activity. This pain is called claudication and can be felt in the calf, thigh, or buttock, depending on the location of the narrowed artery.

The pain may go away when at rest and return when walking or exercising.

3. Back pain

Back pain can be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD affects the arteries supplying blood to the arms and legs. When the arteries become narrow or blocked, it causes pain in the limbs, and in severe cases, can also cause back pain.

The pain may occur only during physical activity or when resting. However, the degree of pain relief after resting might be minimal compared to leg pain.

4. Hip pain

Hip pain resulting from high cholesterol may indicate femoral artery stenosis. This condition is also a type of PAD, causing a decreased blood supply to the groin and thigh muscles.

The pain can be felt in the hip, thigh, or buttock, and it may worsen during activities such as walking or going up the stairs.

5. Arm pain

The pain in the arm can be a symptom of brachial artery stenosis or subclavian artery stenosis. These conditions cause a decreased supply of oxygen to the arms, leading to pain or weakness in the arms or hands.

Arm pain may also occur when there’s a blockage in the carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain.

6. Headache

A headache can be caused by several factors, one of which is a decrease in blood flow to the brain resulting from the carotid artery’s blockage.

The headache is usually felt on one side of the head and may be accompanied by dizziness, loss of balance and coordination, and blurry vision.

How to reduce the pain associated with high cholesterol?

If you experience any pain resulting from high cholesterol, it is imperative to see a physician for an examination. Generally, the doctor will conduct tests to determine your cholesterol level and the extent of the blockage in the arteries.

After diagnosis, the physician will recommend the best course of treatment, which might include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery. Here are some of the ways you can reduce the pain associated with high cholesterol:.

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese is one of the leading causes of high cholesterol levels. Therefore, losing weight through a healthy diet and exercise will help lower your cholesterol levels and improve your overall health.

2. Exercise regularly

Regular exercises, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can help improve blood flow and lower your cholesterol levels. Aim to exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.

3. Quit smoking

Smoking is hazardous to your health, and it can cause severe damage to your arteries. Quitting smoking can improve your heart’s health and might reduce the progression of plaque build-up in the arteries.

4. Eat a heart-healthy diet

Consuming a balanced diet rich in whole grain, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products while minimizing saturated and trans fats can help lower your cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

High cholesterol can lead to various health problems, including pain in different parts of the body as a result of reduced blood flow to vital organs.

If you experience any pain resulting from high cholesterol, it is essential to visit your physician for an examination. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and eating a heart-healthy diet are some ways to improve your heart’s health and reduce the pain associated with high cholesterol.