Do you ever have a headache? Many of us automatically reach for a pain reliever, assuming it’s just a regular migraine. But what if there is something else behind these pains? What if these aches and pains are actually your body’s warning signal of a possible health problem?
High cholesterol levels can present with specific physical symptoms that indicate that the level of cholesterol in your body is high. These symptoms, including pain in the back of the head, should not be ignored, as they can signal serious health problems such as heart disease and blockages in blood vessels.
Watch the video from the creation of the YT channel Ikem Praha – High cholesterol and atherosclerosis
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Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that occurs naturally in the body and is essential for many key functions. It is important for the formation of cell membranes, the production of certain hormones and the production of bile acids that help digest fats. Cholesterol is produced in the body in the liver, but we also get it from food of animal origin such as meat, eggs and dairy products.
There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, which can contribute to clogging of the arteries, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as “good” cholesterol, which helps remove cholesterol from the arteries and it carries it back to the liver, where it is removed from the body. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
Pain in the back of the head as a warning sign
Pain in the back of the head can be a direct result of blockage of blood vessels around the head that are clogged with cholesterol. This situation occurs when cholesterol plaques build up on the walls of blood vessels, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of a blood vessel rupturing, which can lead to a stroke. In these cases, the headache is often localized to the back of the head and may be an indication of a more serious condition.
Mechanisms of pain
Blockage caused by cholesterol plaques can cause not only physical pain, but also other symptoms such as dizziness or even short-term vision loss if blood flow to the eyes is restricted. Pain in the back of the head is often constant and can be worsened by physical activity or changes in position.
Diagnosis and treatment
If you experience frequent headaches in the back of your head, it is important to see a doctor who can perform a series of tests, including cholesterol levels and imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan of the head, to determine the exact cause of the pain. If high cholesterol is detected, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes such as diet modification, increased physical activity, and possibly cholesterol-lowering medication such as statins.
Prevention
Prevention of high cholesterol and its symptoms includes regular cholesterol checks, a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, limiting saturated and trans fats, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy body weight. These steps can help reduce the risk of cholesterol plaques and related health complications.
The interconnection between back pain and high cholesterol points to the importance of integrating a healthy lifestyle and regular medical checkups into our lives. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can significantly reduce the risk of more serious health problems.
Source: medicoverhospitals.in
