Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance in the cells of your body and plays various roles, such as the production of hormones, aid in digestion, and also in the repair of the cells. Even though the body makes all the cholesterol it requires, having extra cholesterol levels may be life-threatening. Sadly, this condition comes at a later stage in many people as high cholesterol typically does not come with noticeable symptoms.

It is known commonly as the "silent killer" because it damages one's health stealthily, going without any warnings and causing major health complications if left unchecked.

In the U.S. alone, millions of adults are living with high cholesterol, most of whom do not know it exists and the dangers that come with it.

High cholesterol is often silent and in fact sometimes isn't symptomatic until the point it causes severe effects. Eventually, if not managed, may end up causing even severe disorders such as heart disease and stroke, PAD, kidney failure, and sometimes cancer, too. That is the reason why high cholesterol never to be taken lightly

1. Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the most fatal outcomes associated with high cholesterol. When cholesterol builds up in the arteries, it forms a condition called atherosclerosis. This is a process whereby cholesterol, fat, and other materials collect on the inner linings of the arteries to form plaques. As time passes, this plaque narrows and hardens the arteries, reducing blood flow. Less blood supply to the heart causes angina; extreme cases cause a heart attack.

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart is blocked, often by a blood clot formed from the rupture of plaque in the arteries. This blockage can result in irreversible damage to the heart muscle. In some cases, this damage can be fatal, making heart disease one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.

2. Stroke

Cholesterol is not only bad for the heart, but it can also affect the brain. High cholesterol with high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke. When plaque builds up in the arteries leading to the brain, blood flow becomes restricted, depriving the brain of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function properly. This can result in a clot forming, which can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

A stroke is the blockage of blood to a portion of the brain and, subsequently, death to brain cells. The intensity of the stroke depends on the area of the brain that has been affected; thus, it can bring long-term effects such as paralysis, memory loss, and speech difficulties.

3. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Cholesterol-induced plaque build-up can also affect the arteries that are in your legs and arms, which leads to what's called peripheral artery disease (PAD). This occurs as a result of poor circulation when the arteries carrying blood to the limbs have been narrowed or blocked. Those suffering from PAD would develop pain, weakness, or cramping in the leg upon physical activity. Furthermore, they may even struggle to walk.

If PAD is left untreated, it can cause more significant complications, like ulcers and infections that can be followed by tissue death. It can become so serious that it leads to the amputation of the limb affected. In this manner, PAD presents a good example of how high cholesterol causes problems with circulation leading to serious diseases beyond heart or brain failure.

4. Kidney Failure

High cholesterol can also affect the kidneys adversely. The kidneys depend on proper blood flow to clean out the waste products from the body. However, if cholesterol blocks the arteries supplying the kidneys, it decreases the blood flow which further weakens the performance of the kidneys. With time, this can result in impaired kidneys or failure of the kidneys.

Kidney failure can be dangerous and requires the patient to need dialysis or a transplant. Therefore, controlling cholesterol is not only crucial for heart and brain functions but also for protecting your kidneys.

5. Cancer

Even though the connection between cholesterol and cancer is still being looked into, it is believed by many researchers that high levels of cholesterol can lead to particular cancers. Recently, the UCLA discovered a connection that shows how cholesterol may also have a relationship with colon cancer. It is though that cholesterol causes cancer cells to multiply; however, there is much to know about this.

Symptoms of High Cholesterol

Because the condition does not have obvious symptoms, it is dangerous; a person can live with it for years without even realizing how much damage is being done to the body. Certain signs, however, will indicate that your cholesterol level is alarmingly high, especially if it has reached the point of peripheral artery disease, or PAD.

If you have high cholesterol or are at risk due to factors such as being over 40, being overweight, or having a family history of heart disease, it's very important to monitor for any unusual signs, particularly in your legs and feet. Symptoms of PAD, which may indicate that high cholesterol is affecting your circulation, include:

• Pain or cramping in the legs, particularly when walking or exercising
• Ulcers or open sores on the feet or legs that do not heal
• Gangrene, or tissue death, from poor circulation
• Hair loss
• Brittle, slow-growing toenails
• Numbness or weakness
• Shiny skin or changes in skin color, such as paleness or a blue tint
• Erectile dysfunction due to poor blood flow to the pelvic area

How to Lower Your Cholesterol

The good news is that it can be managed. High cholesterol levels can be reduced greatly if you make lifestyle adjustments like adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and not having excess alcohol. In most cases, medication may be prescribed to help control the cholesterol.

A diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help lower your cholesterol levels. Regular physical activity can improve heart health and reduce cholesterol. Lastly, routine cholesterol screenings are crucial to detect high cholesterol early before it causes irreversible damage.

High cholesterol is a major health risk, and its hidden dangers should not be ignored. These effects eventually cause the serious problems like death threats: heart diseases and strokes or renal failures. At times, you are free from all the symptoms in the initial stages. Instead, maintaining healthy life skills and a proper routine test would enable you to treat high cholesterol and preserve yourself for further complications. Do not wait until it is too late; do something about lowering your cholesterol now and reducing the risk of serious complications.

With the ongoing heatwave, people have been very concerned regarding their health and well-being. While people may not realize it, heatwave not only is a natural hazard, but it has a great impact on society, which includes heat related deaths, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).

Heat affects us in many ways, whether it is affecting our body temperature, our appetite, or even our moods. However, one should not take high temperatures outside lightly. Heat can often trigger serious conditions, many of which need immediate action to rectify. One must know signs and early symptoms to avoid falling into a dangerous situation. One such sign of heat-illness can show up in your legs as well- Heat Cramps.

Pain in Your Muscles Due To Heat

Heat cramps are sharp, painful muscle spasms. They often happen when you're doing intense exercise or heavy work in hot weather. Not drinking enough water can make you more likely to get them. You'll most likely feel this pain or sudden, strong muscle tightening in your stomach area, arms, or legs. Remember, heat cramps can also be an early sign that you're heading towards heat exhaustion.

If you experience sudden, strong muscle tightening or painful twists, especially in your calves, thighs, or hamstrings, while working or exercising in hot conditions, it's a strong indicator of heat cramps. These cramps can be incredibly painful and are a direct result of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. They can also be an early warning sign that you are heading towards heat exhaustion, so it's vital to address them immediately by resting, hydrating, and replacing lost electrolytes.

Heat-Related Illnesses And Types Of It

Heat cramps, along with some other illnesses, are types of heat stress. When you're in the hot weather, your body's amazing natural cooling system kicks in, sweating. As sweat evaporates from your skin, it carries heat away, helping to keep your core temperature stable. However, there are times when this system gets overwhelmed, and your body can get dangerously hot. This condition is known as heat stress. Understanding the different forms of heat stress and knowing how to protect yourself is crucial for staying safe in warm weather.

Dehydration

This is simply when your body doesn't have enough water. You lose water through sweating, and if you don't drink enough, you get dehydrated.

Heat Exhaustion

This happens if you stay in the heat for too long, especially if you're already dehydrated. Your body gets overworked trying to cool down.

Heat Cramps

These are painful muscle spasms. They often hit your legs, but can also affect your stomach or arms. They usually happen when you're working or exercising hard in the heat.

Heat Syncope

This is when you feel dizzy or even faint because of the heat.

Heat Rash

This looks like small red bumps on your skin, often in areas where you sweat a lot.

Heat Stroke

This is the most serious kind of heat illness. It's an emergency where your body can't cool itself down anymore, and your body temperature rises very quickly.

How to Protect Yourself from Heat Stress?

Taking a few simple steps can really help you avoid getting sick from the heat:

Drink plenty of fluids: Make sure to drink water and sports drinks before and while you're out in the heat. Don't wait until you're thirsty!

Wear light, loose clothes: Choose light-colored clothes that fit loosely. This helps your body stay cooler by reflecting sunlight and letting air move around.

Stay out of the sun during the hottest time: Try to avoid being in direct sunlight between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, as this is usually when the sun is strongest.

Find a cool spot: If you start to feel too hot, move to a cool place right away. This could be an air-conditioned building, a shady spot, or even just a cooler room indoors.

Climate change has become a big concern for people all around the world. We are observing temperatures rising every year, and the effect of global warming. Things like the heat affecting the ice caps, living conditions of people as well as the flora and fauna in various places. However, this climate change may also be the reason for increasing diseases among people. Passive effects of the climate change may be something we all deal with, but the increase in temperatures could also be a reason for increase in diseases like cancer in women.

A recent study published in the Frontiers in Public Health journal suggested that as the world gets hotter due to climate change, women may face a greater risk of certain cancers. This research looked at countries in the Middle East and North Africa where rising temperatures have been linked to more cases and deaths from cancers affecting women, like breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers.

What is The Link Between Heat and Cancer?

The study found a clear pattern, whenever the temperature rose, there was an increase in both new cancer cases and deaths among women. This means that as temperatures climb, more women are getting and dying from these specific cancers, especially ovarian and breast cancers.

Even small increases in temperature can have a big impact on public health over time. What's happening in these already hot countries could be a warning sign for other places, like those with cooler climates now, about what might come.

Researchers examined cancer data from 17 countries in the Middle East and North Africa over two decades. These countries are already experiencing significant temperature increases because of climate change.

The study showed that women are more sensitive to health risks related to climate, especially during pregnancy. The findings highlight a strong connection between rising heat and an increase in cancer cases and deaths among women.

Specifically, for every extra degree Celsius, there were an estimated 173 to 280 more cancer cases per 100,000 women. Ovarian cancers saw the biggest increase in cases, while breast cancers had the smallest. Similarly, cancer deaths rose by 171 to 332 per 100,000 women for each degree of temperature rise, with ovarian cancer deaths increasing the most and cervical cancer deaths the least.

Six countries were particularly affected by these increases - Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Syria.

How Does High Temperature Increase Risk of Cancer?

While higher temperatures are likely a direct risk factor, the heat might also worsen other things that cause cancer, like air pollution. Scientists believe that rising temperatures can work in several ways to increase cancer risk. This includes increasing exposure to known cancer-causing substances, making it harder to get healthcare, and possibly even changing how cells in the body behave. All these factors together could raise the risk of cancer over time.

It's important to understand that this study shows a connection, but it doesn't directly prove that climate change causes these cancers. More research is needed to fully understand how higher temperatures might affect cancer risk.

In the meantime, experts say that public health officials should start considering climate-related risks in their plans. This means improving cancer screening programs, creating healthcare systems that can handle climate challenges, and reducing exposure to things in the environment that cause cancer. If we don't address these underlying vulnerabilities, the number of cancer cases linked to climate change will likely keep growing.

There are many bizarre medical cases and medical mysteries, but this is something you may not have heard before. This is the story of a 15-year-old girl form Lesotho, a country within South Africa, who became pregnant without having any vaginal opening.

How Did She Know About Her Pregnancy?

The girl was admitted in the hospital due to the complaints of abdominal pain. Tests revealed that she was nine month pregnant. What came as a shocker that she had no vaginal opening, thus never had sexual intercourse. This left doctors amused, wondering how she may have gotten pregnant? She had a rare birth defect called distal vaginal atresia.

What is Distal Vaginal Atresia?

This is condition where the vagina is closed or absent. This condition occurs with other developmental problems in a female baby. Most often the baby also has Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Fraser Syndrome or Rokitansky-Mayer-Küster -Hauser syndrome.

Bardet-Biedl syndrome is a rare disorder affecting many parts of the body. Loss of vision, obesity, kidney problems and intellectual disorders are common characteristics of the syndrome.

Fraser syndrome is a rare disorder affecting development starting before birth. Babies born with Fraser syndrome typically have eyes that are completely covered by skin and usually malformed, fingers and toes that are joined together, and abnormalities of the urinary tract.

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a disorder in females causing the vagina and uterus to be underdeveloped or absent. It is often associated with kidney anomalies. This condition often accompanies a cloacal malformation, the surgical treatment which includes a variety of vaginal replacement techniques.

People with distal vaginal atresia do have menstruation, but the blood does not exit, which forms blockage and buildup within the uterus. This condition is called hematometra or hematocolpos, which can cause pelvic pain and discomfort.

This is a rare condition which affects 1 in 10,000 to 15,000 female children.

How Did She Become Pregnant?

While her body does not have a vaginal opening, but she does have a uterus, which means she can get pregnant if semen is injected and fertilized through in-vitro fertilization. However, this was not the case with her.

The girl later revealed that while she did notice her body change, she "did not believe she was pregnant." However, when she was told she was pregnant, she delivered her child though a C-section delivery.

In later interviews, she revealed that she had suffered stab wounds to her abdomen shortly after she had performed oral sex on her partner. At that time she confided in a nurse that her ex-partner had violently attacked her, when he found her in act with the current partner.

The medical team that attended her then concluded that it could be due to the stomach would which may have allowed the sperm she swallowed to reach her reproductive organs. This may have resulted into an unexpected conception.

Another shocker is that sperm does not survive in the digestive acid that stomach produces. However, the doctors believe that the sperm may have survived as at that time the girl was malnourished and the acidity levels in her digestive system may be low.