High cholesterol is a chronic condition that can lead to fatal results if not properly cared for. The problems start with the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), which further leads to heart attack, stroke, and other severe cardiovascular troubles. However, due to the lack of identifiable symptoms, people often wonder, “Does high cholesterol cause headaches?”
Although there isn’t much research on the subject, we have discussed what might trigger a headache in someone with high cholesterol and how you can ultimately lower your cholesterol levels. To learn more, carry on reading this blog.
Can High Cholesterol Cause Headaches?
Most people with high cholesterol complain about getting headaches — namely, intense migraines. But does that mean the headaches are solely caused by high cholesterol? It can be hard to identify the source of the pain since there is not enough research on the subject.
Some studies claim that there is, in fact, a link between high cholesterol, triglycerides, and headaches. However, that is only true in cases where the cholesterol levels were unbelievably elevated. Moreover, the study was saturated with a fixed number of participants, which severely affected the overall results.
It is true, though, that the plaque buildup in arteries can restrict blood and oxygen flow to your vital organs. This can lead to a stroke or high blood pressure, which is usually first highlighted by a headache.
Different Ways To Treat A Cholesterol-Fueled Headache
In the instance that your headache is led on by high cholesterol, you will need to seek immediate treatment. But considering the fact that high cholesterol is a chronic condition, to prevent intense migraines, you will need to make specific lifestyle changes, such as:
1. Sweat It Out
Daily workouts and exercise are great at getting your heart rate pumping. It can promote the production of lipoproteins and boost HDL cholesterol. Plus, when paired with other changes, your LDL count could significantly decrease, leading to a happy and healthy body.
2. Monitor Your Diet
What you eat plays a major role in your life, especially your health. Try limiting the saturated fats you consume and instead swap them out with healthy fats. Not only will this limit your cholesterol production, but it will also improve your overall health.
3. Avoid Smoking or Vaping
Smoking is harmful as it is. But did you know that smoking too much can make LDL particles extremely sticky? This can make it unbelievably hard for the HDL to flush out LDL from your system. By putting a stop to this fatal habit, you can boost your health in more ways than one.
4. Manage Your Weight
As you grow older, your metabolism stops functioning as it used to. Because of this, weight gain can become a big issue for some. But by maintaining a healthy weight, you can avoid numerous diseases and keep a steady balance between your body’s HDL and LDL count.
5. Limit Alcohol Intake
Alcohol is a major trigger for headaches and migraines. Not to mention, drinking too much of it can harm your kidney and cause other serious troubles. By limiting the amount of alcohol you consume, you can help lessen the bad cholesterol in your body from rising.
Long Story Short
To put it shortly, high cholesterol does not cause headaches. There is not enough research to support that claim. Nevertheless, if you think your migraines are directly linked to your cholesterol levels, reach out to Aqeeq Internal Medicine for an in-depth evaluation. You can schedule an appointment by dialing 832-786-8195 or visiting us inside the Cairnway Plaza at 16125 Cairnway Drive Ste 114, Houston, TX 77084.