Can High Cholesterol Cause Fatigue? Here’s What to Know

Can High Cholesterol Cause Fatigue?

High cholesterol is usually asymptomatic - that’s why it’s called a “silent condition.” You might feel perfectly fine and still have high cholesterol without knowing it. Many people only discover it after doing a blood test.

To confirm high cholesterol, your doctor will typically recommend a lipid panel, which measures different types of cholesterol in your blood. 

You can’t rely on how you feel to know if your cholesterol is high.

That said, in severe or long-term cases, high cholesterol can have indirect effects on your body and energy levels. It can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries. 

When that happens, it becomes harder for oxygen-rich blood to reach your muscles and organs. And that can take a toll on your energy. You may experience:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity

Your heart may also have to work harder to pump blood, which can leave you feeling tired more quickly than usual.

In that case, you can also experience

• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Numbness or coldness in hands and feet
• Blurred vision or trouble focusing
• Memory fog or difficulty concentrating

These symptoms don’t confirm high cholesterol on their own, but they may signal that it’s time to get checked 

While fatigue isn’t the most common sign of high cholesterol, it can be a result of complications caused by it,  especially when other risk factors are involved.

Is Your Fatigue Caused by Something Else?

If you’re trying to figure out why you feel so tired, it’s worth looking at other possible causes too. 

While cholesterol might play a role, it’s far from the only possibility.

Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Not getting enough sleep or dealing with insomnia
• Stress and anxiety draining your mental energy
• Anemia (low red blood cells), which means your body isn’t getting enough oxygen
• Thyroid issues (especially if your thyroid is underactive)
• Unstable blood sugar levels
• Dehydration, even mild
• Vitamin deficiencies, especially B12 or D
• Lack of physical activity
• Skipping meals or poor nutrition

If any of these sound familiar, don’t panic - but do pay attention.