To keep our hearts healthy, it is necessary to control our cholesterol levels, but when this cholesterol level increases, we can face various health problems, and the possibility of a heart attack.
On the other hand, headaches can be caused by various reasons such as stress, lack of sleep, overwork, etc. But we should know in detail whether there is a direct relationship between headaches and high cholesterol, and if so, how it can be controlled.
Types of Cholesterol
If we differentiate between types of cholesterol, then there are basically two types of cholesterol found in our blood: LDL cholesterol and the other is HDL cholesterol. There is another type of cholesterol, which is VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol.
- LDL cholesterol – LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is basically called bad cholesterol. When this cholesterol increases, it starts to accumulate in our arteries and gradually hardens, blocking blood flow, thus increasing the chances of a heart attack and stroke.
- HDL cholesterol- HDL (high-density Lipoprotein) is generally called good cholesterol. Good cholesterol helps break down LDL cholesterol and cleanses the blood.
Health Risks of High Cholesterol
When the level of LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol, increases too much, we have many health risks, some of which are –
- Heart disease – When bad cholesterol accumulates in our heart arteries, it causes heart diseases such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and a heart attack.
- Stroke – When LDL cholesterol accumulates in the carotid arteries, which help blood reach the brain, it is blocked, which increases the risk of stroke.
Also, high cholesterol can cause complications such as high blood pressure, fatigue, and leg pain.
Types of headaches that may be linked to high cholesterol
A headache is a very common problem that many of us have. There are several types of headaches, and let’s find out if there is any connection between high cholesterol and headaches.
Here are three types of headaches that can be associated with cholesterol in many cases: Tension headaches, migraine headaches, and cluster headaches.
- Tension headaches – This is a common headache that is caused by mental stress or Excessive workload. This pain can be on both sides of the head and in the back of the head. Now the question is whether this headache is caused by high cholesterol. Basically, tension headaches have no direct connection with cholesterol.
- Migraine headaches – These headaches are mainly on one side of the head and are accompanied by some symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine headaches also have no connection with cholesterol, but many studies have shown that migraine headaches are more common in people with high cholesterol.
- Cluster headaches – These Headaches are very severe and the pain is around our eyes, but there may be a link between the severe pain and changes in cholesterol levels and blood vessels, but no exact explanation has been found yet.
To get relief from any type of severe headache, definitely consult a doctor.
The Link Between High Cholesterol and Headaches
Headaches are not directly related to cholesterol, but if someone has high cholesterol levels, it can slowly start to form clots in the arteries that supply blood to the brain, which can cause headaches. High cholesterol also increases the risk of stroke, which can cause symptoms like severe headaches. If you have high cholesterol and are accompanied by severe headaches, consult a doctor immediately.
Risk Factors That Increase Both Cholesterol and Headache Likelihood
There are several factors that increase the risk of cholesterol and headaches, such as –
1) Bad diet – One of the factors that increases our risk of cholesterol and headaches is a bad diet. Fast food, outside food, and excessively spicy or fatty food can double the risk of both cholesterol and headaches.
2) Bad lifestyle – Bad lifestyle, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and lack of sleep, also increases the chances of headaches and high cholesterol.
3) Genetics – Those who have a family history of high cholesterol and severe headaches may also have these problems in their future generations.
How to manage both high Cholesterol and Headaches?
To reduce bad cholesterol and get relief from headaches, we should follow some things
In case of high cholesterol
(i) Follow a healthy lifestyle – To control high cholesterol, you should follow a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy food, sleep regularly for 7 to 8 hours, quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption
(ii) Exercise regularly – To reduce high cholesterol, do regular physical activity. Yoga and walking also help us reduce cholesterol
iii) Control overweight and obesity – People who are overweight or obese are more likely to have high cholesterol, so you should take care of this.
In case of a headache
(i) Reduce mental stress – Excessive mental worry is one of the reasons for our headaches, so it must be controlled
(II) Do yoga and get enough sleep – To maintain good mental health and reduce headache, do yoga for 30 minutes regularly and sleep regularly because lack of sleep can cause headache, but it must be kept in mind that headache can be of different types and causes, so always consult a health specialist to get the right treatment.
Foods to Eat for High Cholesterol and Headache
Here are some foods to control high cholesterol and headaches, which are also very beneficial for our health
Spinach Amla
Almonds Apple
Salmon Berries
Lemon Chia seeds
Garlic Green tea
Avocado Flax seeds
Olive oil Oats
Walnuts Kale
Bean curd (Tofu) Dark chocolate
Foods to Avoid for High Cholesterol and Headache
Some unhealthy foods that should be avoided for cholesterol and headaches are
Alcohol Butter
Excessive fried foods Ice cream
Fast food Coffee
Red Meat Cake
Excessive sugary foods Cheese
Carbonated drinks Potato chips
Smoking Canned soups
When to Seek Medical Attention?
If you have any symptoms related to bad cholesterol and headaches, such as chest pain, prolonged severe headache, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and dizziness, then consult your doctor immediately.
It is necessary to have a lipid profile test every 2-3 months as per the doctor’s advice. Through this test, you can monitor your cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that headaches are not directly related to high cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol and are experiencing severe headaches, consult a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis through various tests. Focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle and diet to manage your condition effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Does high cholesterol directly cause headaches?
Ans- No, high cholesterol does not directly cause headaches. Headaches can be caused by various reasons such as stress, migraines, and lack of sleep. However, sometimes headaches are one of the symptoms of high cholesterol, so they need proper diagnosis and treatment.
2) What types of headaches can be caused by high cholesterol?
Ans- High cholesterol can cause tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches. But none of these are directly related to high cholesterol. High cholesterol can cause problems like poor blood circulation and high blood pressure, which can lead to headaches.
