by Keeping track of your cholesterol levels is a simple way to determine whether you are eating healthily or getting enough exercise.
But, unless you visit your GP, it’s not always easy to determine how fit and healthy you are. Although getting a blood test is essential if you have health concerns, many people don’t realize that high cholesterol can be detected just by looking at a person.
Cholesterol build-up in your body is usually due to a high-fat diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, or genetics. If this fatty cholesterol starts lining your blood vessels in excess, it can become blocked leading to serious health issues such as heart attacks and strokes.
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As you age, the likelihood of developing high cholesterol increases, and more than two-thirds of men and women over the age of 65 are diagnosed with high levels during a routine health check. However, anyone can develop high cholesterol due to genetic or environmental factors, so it is important to recognize the symptoms of the increase in your body – simply by looking in the mirror.
The only sure 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 symptoms on your face, hands, or feet, or are simply concerned about your cholesterol levels, you should consult your GP immediately, reports Gloucestershire Live.
The British Heart Foundation has downplayed the role of cholesterol, saying: “Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fatty substance in your blood. It is produced in the liver and is also in some of the foods we eat. It is important to keep cholesterol in our cells healthy.”
They further warn: “High cholesterol means 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 increase heart attack and stroke.”
Eyes and facial signs
One visible indicator of excessive cholesterol levels could be found by looking at a person’s eyes, or even in the mirror if you are alone.
Cholesterol circulates through the body through an extensive network of blood vessels, often accumulating in specific areas over time. When these enlargements occur around the eye, they can present in three main ways.
A common sign of cholesterol issues is called xanthelasma, which appears as bumps on the eyelid or surrounding skin. These are bright yellow due to fatty deposits of cholesterol under the skin, usually painless but indicating accumulation of fats in the bloodstream.
Another common sign that can be noticed in a person’s eyes is arcus senilis, which appears as a blue, white or gray circle around the iris. It often starts 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 warns that cholesterol levels may be on the rise. This becomes increasingly common with age.
In children, this ring is called arcus juvenile, which indicates a significant cholesterol imbalance.
The third most common symptom of fat accumulation in your blood vessels is the development of retinal vein occlusion, which causes your eye to bulge. This serious condition can occur when cholesterol breaks off and blocks the vein that supplies blood to your retina, causing a leak.
Hand signals
You can detect as many signs of cholesterol build-up in your hands as in your eyes. However, many people may ignore symptoms like a swollen knuckle or small bumps on the hands.
Tendon xanthomata can be the result of cholesterol deposits forming around tendons in your body, causing pain and swelling. Although this is most noticeable on your knuckle, it can occur anywhere, including your Achilles tendon.
High cholesterol often manifests itself in subtle symptoms that are often attributed to other factors. One such symptom is frequent tingling or painful soreness in your hands.
This happens when 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 is important to note that high cholesterol does not cause numbness.
If you have this symptom but can’t feel your finger, it’s not because of your cholesterol levels.
Another sign of high cholesterol is pale nails, which indicates insufficient blood flow through the vessels in your hand.
Leg symptoms
Symptoms caused by cholesterol-induced plaques forming in your blood can also affect your feet. As these vessels narrow, numbness and tingling can spread throughout your legs.
These symptoms should prompt a visit to the GP as they may indicate Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). The NJ Cardiovascular Institute explains: “Your feet are far from your heart, but they’re also at risk for complications from high cholesterol.”
“Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a complication that can develop when the arteries in your legs become too narrow due to a build-up of high cholesterol levels.”
“PAD can cause numbness and tingling in your feet or legs. 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 , especially with physical activity.”
If you experience any of these symptoms, or are concerned about your health and lifestyle, the only way to find out your cholesterol levels and get advice on how to lower them is to visit on your family doctor and have an examination.
