Keeping an eye on your cholesterol levels can be a straightforward way to gauge if you’re eating right or getting enough physical activity. However, unless you pop into your GP’s office, it’s not always easy to determine just how fit and healthy you truly are. While it’s crucial to get a blood test if you have health concerns, many do not realise that you can sometimes spot high cholesterol just by looking at someone. In other words, if you have been having a few too many takeaways or pints at the pub, you might start to notice signs in your face, hands, and legs. Cholesterol accumulation in your body is typically due to a diet rich in fats, smoking, drinking, lack of exercise, or genetics. If too much of this fatty cholesterol begins to line your blood vessels, it could lead to a blockage resulting in severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. READ MORE: Ex-CDC director predicts cause of next pandemic that ‘may wipe out up to 50% of infected’ As you age, the likelihood of developing high cholesterol increases, with over two-thirds of men and women over 65 diagnosed with high levels during routine health screenings. But anyone can develop high cholesterol, whether due to genetic or environmental factors, so being able to identify the symptoms of it accumulating in your body – just by glancing in the mirror – is crucial. The only surefire way to know if you have high cholesterol, which can be managed with diet, exercise, and medication, is to have a blood test. However, 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 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.” Face When it comes to spotting high cholesterol, your face could reveal all. A quick glance in the mirror might be all it takes to identify if you’re at risk. Cholesterol doesn’t just float around; it travels through the body’s extensive network of blood vessels, often accumulating in certain areas over time. One such area can be around the eyes, where three main symptoms may emerge. One of the tell-tale signs of high cholesterol is known as xanthelasma – these are bumps that can form on your eyelids or the surrounding skin. They’re the result of fatty cholesterol deposits sitting just beneath the surface, giving them a distinctive yellowish hue. While typically harmless and irritation-free, they can be an indicator of higher levels of fats in your bloodstream. Another common sign that can be spotted in someone’s eyes is known as arcus senilis, which manifests as a blue, white, or grey circle around the coloured part of your eye, the iris. It often begins as a line at the top and bottom of your iris, before evolving into a full circle. Blokes are more likely to develop this ring around their iris, which serves as a warning that your cholesterol levels might be on the rise – a phenomenon that becomes increasingly prevalent with age. If this ring appears in children, it’s referred to as arcus juveniles, and is an even stronger indication that their cholesterol is off-kilter. The third most frequent symptom of fat accumulating in your blood vessels is the development of a retinal vein occlusion, which results in your eye bulging. This serious condition can occur when cholesterol breaks off and obstructs the vein supplying blood to your retina, causing it to leak. Hands Your hands can reveal just as many signs of cholesterol build-up as your eyes can. However, many people may 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 be overlooked, with many of its symptoms attributed to other factors. One such sign that your levels might be too high 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 as oxygen-rich blood struggles to circulate. However, this does not cause numbness, so if you’re experiencing this symptom but can’t feel your fingers, it’s not due to your cholesterol levels. Another tell-tale sign is pale nails, indicating that insufficient blood is flowing through the vessels in your hand. Legs These symptoms can also manifest in your legs. As cholesterol causes plaques to form in your blood, narrowing the vessels, numbness and tingling can spread throughout your legs. Such symptoms should prompt a visit to the GP as they could indicate Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). The NJ Cardiovascular Institute warns: “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’re wrestling with any of these feelings, or if you’re just generally anxious about your health and lifestyle, the only solution is a trip to the GP for cholesterol tests and advice on how to reduce them.
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