Statistics show that more than a fifth of American adults struggle with high cholesterol. That can have major implications for your heart health.

Are you struggling with high cholesterol? Are you looking to achieve lower cholesterol?

Read on to learn about low cholesterol symptoms and how to get back on track.

What Is Low Cholesterol?

Low cholesterol, in a general sense, refers to having a lower-than-average level of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a substance found in every cell of the body and is essential for various bodily functions. These can include hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and the formation of cell membranes.

Low cholesterol is usually associated with having a lower level of LDL cholesterol, which is generally considered beneficial for heart health.

Maintaining lower levels of LDL cholesterol is a key focus in preventing heart disease and related complications.

What Are Low Cholesterol Symptoms?

Low cholesterol levels, especially when they are significantly below the normal range, are generally not associated with specific symptoms or health issues. But there are some problems you should keep an eye out for.

However, extremely low cholesterol levels may be a result of underlying health conditions or medications, which can lead to various symptoms.

Very low levels of cholesterol can potentially lead to a lack of energy and persistent tiredness. Cholesterol is essential for brain health, and extremely low levels may potentially affect memory and cognitive function.

In cases of very low cholesterol, individuals may experience health issues related to nutrient deficiencies, particularly fat-soluble vitamins.

For instance, a vitamin K deficiency may affect blood clotting. This can trigger increased bleeding or bruising. Inadequate absorption of vitamin D can impact bone health and immune function.

What Are High Cholesterol Symptoms?

There are some signs of high cholesterol you might want to keep an eye out for, beyond suffering from cardiac symptoms.

Xanthomas are fatty deposits that may form under the skin, often around the eyes, elbows, knees, or tendons. These yellowish, raised bumps can indicate high cholesterol levels.

A white or grayish ring (arcus senilis) may develop around the cornea of the eye, particularly in younger individuals, suggesting elevated cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol can cause gallstones. This can cause upper abdominal pain and discomfort.

Benefits of Low Cholesterol Levels

Having low cholesterol levels is beneficial for your health in many different ways.

Low LDL cholesterol levels tend to be associated with an overall healthier lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and avoidance of tobacco use. These factors can further improve one's overall health and well-being.

High cholesterol levels are linked to an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Lowering cholesterol may help reduce the risk or slow the progression of AMD.

Some studies suggest that higher cholesterol levels might be associated with better bone density and lower risk of fractures. Lowering cholesterol, while maintaining a balanced diet, may contribute to overall bone health.

Lowering cholesterol levels may help reduce overall bodily inflammation, which is linked to a few different chronic diseases. Examples include arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Cholesterol is a precursor to the production of sex hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone). Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is important for maintaining a balanced endocrine system and hormonal function.

Heart-Related Benefits

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels throughout life can contribute to a longer and healthier lifespan, free from the burden of cardiovascular diseases and their associated complications.

Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of your arteries due to the accumulation of plaque. Low LDL cholesterol levels can decrease the risk of developing atherosclerosis, leading to better heart health.

High blood pressure is, as you probably know, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Lower cholesterol levels can contribute to better blood pressure control.

Lower levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of developing different cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, peripheral artery disease, or even having a stroke. LDL cholesterol contributes to the buildup of plaques in arteries, which can lead to blockages and reduced blood flow.

Maintaining low LDL cholesterol levels can help keep the arteries clear and flexible, promoting good blood flow and reducing the risk of heart-related problems.

Lowering LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes, major events that can have severe and often fatal consequences.

High Cholesterol Risk Factors

Various factors can contribute to the development of high cholesterol levels.

Making bad dietary choices, like eating a diet rich in saturated and trans fats found in processed foods, as well as foods high in cholesterol, can lead to elevated levels of LDL cholesterol.

Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle devoid of regular exercise and physical activity can exacerbate cholesterol imbalances, lowering HDL cholesterol levels and promoting the accumulation of LDL cholesterol in the arteries.

Weight management plays a pivotal role as well. People who are overweight or obese often have higher LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, coupled with lower HDL cholesterol levels.

Age and gender are also key factors, as cholesterol levels tend to rise with age, especially after age 45 in men and age 55 in women or after menopause.

Genetics and family history are strong risk factors; if close family members have high cholesterol, there is a higher likelihood of experiencing the same condition due to genetic predisposition.

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medications, chronic stress, and hormonal changes, such as menopause in women, are additional risk factors that can raise cholesterol levels and escalate cardiovascular risk.

Health Conditions and Risk Factors

There are some health conditions that put you more at risk for high cholesterol.

Pregnancy and birth control pill use can affect cholesterol levels. Discuss any possible complications with your doctor when you're switching birth control or if you're planning to become pregnant.

Certain chronic health conditions can significantly impact cholesterol levels. Diabetes, for instance, is associated with elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, while low levels of HDL cholesterol are common.

Conditions like hypothyroidism and chronic kidney disease can also affect cholesterol metabolism and contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels.

How to Lower Your Cholesterol

If you're struggling with high cholesterol, all is not lost. There are a lot of strategies you can use to start bringing it down.

You should limit your alcohol consumption. Moderation is key. Limit alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, as excessive alcohol can increase cholesterol levels.

You can also take supplements, like Cardio Cleanse, to help improve your overall cardiovascular health.

Stress reduction plays a crucial role in managing and lowering blood pressure. You can try different techniques to help you relax, such as deep breathing, guided meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation.

If lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help lower cholesterol levels. Statins are commonly prescribed. It's essential to take these medications as directed.

Biofeedback techniques can help you become more aware of your body's response to stress and teach you how to control factors like muscle tension and heart rate.

If you smoke, it's time to quit. Quitting smoking can improve HDL cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Dietary Changes

One of the most impactful strategies is adopting a heart-healthy diet. Prioritize foods rich in soluble fiber like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. These help lower "bad" cholesterol levels.

Opt for healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These are found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish.

Meanwhile, cut down on saturated and trans fats present in processed and fried foods. Incorporate fatty fish such as salmon and trout into your meals, as they are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce LDL cholesterol.

Foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols, like certain margarines, can also contribute to lowering LDL cholesterol. Some spices, such as cinnamon, can help benefit your overall cardiovascular health, which will in turn benefit your cholesterol.

Use heart-healthy cooking methods like baking, grilling, steaming, or sautéing with minimal oil instead of frying.

Keeping Cholesterol Low

It can take a while to get your cholesterol on track, but it's achievable. Once you have low cholesterol, you need to keep working to keep it low.

Be very careful about your portion sizes to avoid overeating and consuming excess calories, which can lead to weight gain and higher cholesterol levels.

Regularly measure your blood pressure at home and keep track of the readings. Share this information with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment.

Have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. This is especially important if you have a family history of high cholesterol or other risk factors for heart disease. This will help you catch on more quickly if a problem does arise.

You don't have to go at it alone, either. Join support groups or classes focused on heart health to stay informed, motivated, and engaged in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Get Low Cholesterol Today

There's a lot that goes into achieving low cholesterol symptoms, but it's worth the effort it takes. With this guide, you should be well on your way to a healthier lifestyle.

Are you ready to start your low-cholesterol journey? When taken daily, Cardio Cleanse may help lower your cholesterol and your blood pressure. Start shopping today.