Yahoo News Three warning signs you might have high cholesterol
Keeping an eye on your cholesterol levels can be a straightforward way to gauge if you're eating healthily or getting sufficient exercise.
However, unless you visit your GP, it's not always easy to determine how fit and healthy you truly are. While it's crucial to get a blood test if you have health concerns, many individuals don't realise that high cholesterol can be detected just by observing someone.
Cholesterol accumulation in your body is typically due to a high-fat diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, or genetics. If this fatty cholesterol begins to line your blood vessels excessively, it could lead to a blockage resulting in severe health issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
As you age, the likelihood of developing high cholesterol increases, with over two-thirds of men and women aged 65 and above diagnosed with high levels during routine health check-ups. However, anyone can develop high cholesterol due to genetic or environmental factors, so being able to identify the symptoms of its build-up in your body - simply by looking in the mirror - is crucial.
The only definitive way to know if you have high cholesterol, which can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication, is through a blood test. But if you notice any of these signs on your face, hands, or legs, or if you're simply concerned about your cholesterol levels, you should consult your GP immediately, reports Gloucestershire Live.
The British Heart Foundation has shed light on the role of cholesterol, stating: "Cholesterol is a natural fatty substance in your blood. It's produced in the liver and it's also in some of the foods we eat. Cholesterol is important to keep the cells in our bodies healthy."
They further warn: "High cholesterol means that you have too much cholesterol in your blood. There are many things that can cause this. If you don't take steps to lower high cholesterol, it can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke."
Eyes and face symptoms
One visible indicator of excessive cholesterol levels could be found by simply looking into someone's eyes, or even in the mirror if you're alone.
Cholesterol circulates through the body via an extensive network of blood vessels, often accumulating in specific areas over time. When these build-ups occur around the eye, they can present in three primary ways.
A prevalent sign of cholesterol issues is known as a xanthelasma, which manifests as lumps on the eyelid or surrounding skin. These are yellowish bumps caused by fatty cholesterol deposits beneath the skin, typically painless but indicative of fats accumulating in the bloodstream.
Another common sign that can be observed in a person's eyes is known as arcus senilis, which manifests as a blue, white, or grey circle around the iris. It often begins as a line at the top and bottom of the iris before developing into a full circle.
Men are more prone to this condition, which serves as a warning that cholesterol levels may be on the rise. This becomes increasingly common with age.
In children, this ring is referred to as arcus juveniles, indicating a significant cholesterol imbalance.
The third most prevalent symptom of fat accumulation in your blood vessels is the development of a retinal vein occlusion, causing your eye to bulge. This serious condition can occur when cholesterol breaks off and blocks the vein supplying blood to your retina, leading to leakage.
Hand symptoms
Just as many signs of cholesterol build-up can be detected in your hands as in your eyes. However, many people might overlook symptoms such as a swollen knuckle or small bumps on the hands.
Tendon xanthomata can lead to cholesterol deposits forming around tendons in your body, resulting in soreness and swelling. While this is most noticeable on your knuckle, it can occur anywhere, including your Achilles tendon.
High cholesterol can often manifest in subtle signs that are frequently attributed to other factors. One such sign is a frequent or painful tingling sensation in your hands.
This occurs as cholesterol deposits in your blood vessels begin to restrict blood flow, causing your hands to tingle due to the struggle of oxygenated blood to circulate. However, it's important to note that high cholesterol does not cause numbness.
If you're experiencing this symptom but can't feel your fingers, it's not due to your cholesterol levels.
Another sign of high cholesterol is pale nails, indicating insufficient blood flow through the vessels in your hand.
Leg symptoms
The symptoms caused by cholesterol-induced plaques forming in your blood can also affect your legs. As these vessels narrow, numbness and tingling can spread throughout your legs.
These symptoms should prompt a visit to the GP as they could indicate Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). The NJ Cardiovascular Institute explains: "Your legs are quite far from your heart, but they're also at risk of complications from high cholesterol."
"Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a complication that can develop when the arteries in your legs get too narrow due to buildup from high cholesterol levels."
"PAD can cause numbness and tingling in your legs or feet. Loss of sensation can increase your risk of ulcers and other slow-healing wounds. Another common symptom of PAD is leg pain that feels like muscle cramping, particularly with physical activity."
If you experience any of these symptoms, or are simply concerned about your health and lifestyle, the only way to find out your cholesterol levels and get advice on how to lower them, is by visiting your GP and taking a test.
