Red flags of high cholesterol that show up during sleep and are often 'overlooked'
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While high cholesterol often doesn't have noticeable symptoms, there are some warning signs that you could experience that may have you thinking about speaking to a doctor. Particularly at night, some red flags become more apparent when we're lay still with little on our minds.
Chest pain is one of the biggest and most common problems you can face when dealing with heightened cholesterol. The sensation is due to a build-up of artery-clogging plaque that restricts blood flow to the heart and increases someone's risk of a heart attack.
Experiencing chest pain can be a scary feeling that is often easier to spot while lying down in bed.. There's more about the symptom and what it could mean, online. People could also suffer from dizziness when changing positions in bed if they are struggling with high cholesterol. The feeling of light-headedness is due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
A lack of blood flow through clogged arteries can also lead to feelings of restlessness, especially in your legs. You may be more prone to restless leg syndrome (RLS) in the bedroom when dealing with high cholesterol. Research suggests a link between increased cholesterol levels and the risk of developing RLS, with studies showing that individuals diagnosed with the condition often have higher total LDL cholesterol levels (known as the 'bad' cholesterol) compared to those without the condition.
While you're lying in bed, it's also possible that you could pick up something that would otherwise go unnoticed during the daytime. Pain or cramping in the legs at night, particularly when elevating them, can indicate poor circulation due to narrowed arteries in the legs.
