High cholesterol symptoms could be spotted in the legs - what to look for

Doctor looking at patient's leg
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


High cholesterol is typically symptomless, but occasionally signs can appear. One such sign could be cholesterol deposits on your Achilles tendon - but what do they look like?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. "Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease," warns the Mayo Clinic.

This is due to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which sticks to the inside of your arteries, increasing the risk of blockages that are linked to heart attacks and strokes.

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Regrettably, this dangerous process of atherosclerosis – where the arteries are furred up with cholesterol deposits – often happens under the radar, making it particularly insidious.

However, signs of high cholesterol can sometimes manifest in unexpected places, such as the Achilles tendons.

Physiotherapist examining patient, supporting their leg straight lifted with fist under Achilles tendon
Cholesterol deposits can develop by the Achilles tendon

"Achilles tendons are the most common sites of tendon xanthomas," reveals a study published in Lipids in Health and Disease.

Tendon xanthomas are cholesterol deposits in tendons, appearing as slowly growing papules or subcutaneous (skin) nodules attached to tendons.

The researchers of the study noted: "Achilles tendon thickening is the early characteristic of Achilles tendon xanthomas".

The study aimed to explore the relationship between Achilles tendon thickness (ATT) and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as the link between ATT and patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition characterised by extremely high cholesterol levels in the blood.

A study conducted from March 2014 to March 2015 involved 205 participants aged between 18 and 75 years.

The subjects were categorised into three groups: normal cholesterol levels, borderline LDL (high cholesterol), and hypercholesterolemia.

Achilles tendon thickness (ATT) was gauged using a standardised digital radiography method and the results were compared across the three groups.

What did the researchers discover?

ATT in the borderline LDL cholesterol group was significantly higher than in the normal group. Furthermore, ATT in the hypercholesterolemia group was considerably higher than that of the normal group and the borderline LDL cholesterol group.

This means the presence of cholesterol deposits in the Achilles tendon was positively linked to high cholesterol levels inside of the body.

"ATT might serve as a valuable auxiliary diagnostic index for hypercholesterolemia and be used for the assessment and management of cardiovascular disease," concluded the researchers.

Female nurse drawing blood sample from woman in medical office
A blood test is needed to diagnose high cholesterol -Credit:Getty

How is high cholesterol diagnosed?

In most instances, a blood test is necessary to diagnose high cholesterol due to the lack of symptoms.

"Your GP might suggest having a test if they think your cholesterol level could be high," states the NHS. "This may be because of your age, weight or another condition you have (like high blood pressure or diabetes)."

If you're over 40, overweight, or have high cholesterol or heart problems in your family and you've never had a test before, ask your GP surgery for a cholesterol test. "You're more likely to have high cholesterol," warns the NHS.

Upon receiving a formal diagnosis of high cholesterol, individuals are encouraged to make lifestyle changes to reduce elevated levels.

Heart UK, a cholesterol charity, advised: "Vegetables, pulses (such as peas, beans and lentils), fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains are full of nutrients and good for your cholesterol and your heart."