A GP has highlighted some subtle signs to watch out for in yourself and loved ones that could indicate high cholesterol levels. Without knowing these signs, you might miss the warning signals altogether and things could get “unmanageable”.

Dr Ahmed, who shares medical advice on TikTok, identified three signs of high cholesterol that can appear on your face, hands, and feet. He explained that high cholesterol often doesn’t cause symptoms until it leads to other health issues.

However, there are a few “key signs” that can be spotted before any test confirms this. One such sign is tendon xanthomata, which Dr Ahmed described as “cholesterol clumps” forming on “any ligament or tendon in your body”.

These bumps may be noticeable around the hands and feet. Another warning sign is xathelasma – similar cholesterol clumps that form around your eyes into a yellowish, raised bump.

You might spot these in the mirror or have someone else check for you. Lastly, your eyes might also develop a white ring around the coloured part (iris), known as corneal arcus, reports the Mirror.

This can occur naturally with age (usually over 60), so it might be worth getting checked as a precaution. Dr Ahmed warned: “Having high cholesterol unmanaged is something you do not want to have”. He added that these symptoms often point towards familial hypercholesterolemia – a genetic condition often treated with statins.

How to check your cholesterol:

The NHS website states that a blood test is the only way to determine if you have high cholesterol. Your GP may recommend this test based on factors such as your age, weight or any related medical conditions (i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes).

A ‘healthy’ cholesterol level varies depending on personal factors like age, weight and risk of heart disease. Heart UK provides a general guide for ‘healthy’ adults in the UK.

If you’re diagnosed with high cholesterol, a healthcare professional will discuss ways to lower it, which could involve dietary changes or medication. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, there are other warning signs of high cholesterol, including:

• Chest pain: Also known as angina, this pain occurs during exertion and is relieved by rest.
• Leg cramps: Intermittent claudication is a leg cramp that occurs when moving around.
• Pain in the neck, jaw, upper abdomen, or back: Pain in these areas may be a symptom of high cholesterol.
• Other symptoms: Nausea, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, numbness, slurred speech, and coldness in the extremities may also be symptoms of high cholesterol.

READ MORE:

https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/health/high-cholesterol-warning-signs-your-30531685