Swollen tendons, lines around your eyes, and bumps on your hands can tell you a lot about your health (Image: Getty)
Keeping an eye on your cholesterol levels is a simple way to gauge whether you’re eating right and exercising enough. However, unless you visit your GP, it can be tricky to know just how fit and healthy you truly are.
While a blood test is crucial if you have health concerns, many people don’t realise that high cholesterol can be detected just by looking at someone.
Cholesterol accumulation in your body typically results from a high-fat diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, or genetics. If too much of this fatty substance starts lining your blood vessels, it could lead to a blockage resulting in severe health issues like 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 signs of its build-up in your body – simply by looking in the mirror – is crucial.
The only definitive way to determine 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.
The only way to know your cholesterol levels for sure is to take a test (Image: Shared Content Unit)
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
One alarming indicator of excessive cholesterol could be detected with a simple glance at someone’s eyes – or your own reflection if you’re alone.
Cholesterol circulates through the body via an extensive network of blood vessels, accumulating over time in certain areas. When these deposits form around the eyes, there are three primary signs to look out for.
A prevalent sign of high cholesterol is known as a xanthelasma, which manifests as lumps on your eyelid or surrounding skin. These bumps, yellowish due to underlying fatty cholesterol deposits, typically don’t cause discomfort but signal the possibility of fats amassing in your bloodstream.
Your eyes are the window to your soul, but can also be a window to your physical health (Image: Getty)
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 forming a complete circle.
Men are more prone to developing this ring around their iris, which serves as a warning that cholesterol levels may be on the rise. This becomes increasingly prevalent with age.
If this ring appears in children, it is referred to as arcus juveniles, indicating a significant cholesterol imbalance.
The third most frequent symptom of fat accumulation in your blood vessels is the development of a retinal vein occlusion, leading to a bulging eye. This severe condition can occur when cholesterol breaks off and obstructs the vein supplying blood to your retina, causing leakage.
Hands
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 pain and swelling. While this is most noticeable on your knuckle, it can occur anywhere, including your Achilles tendon.
With many symptoms of high cholesterol often being mistaken for less serious issues, it’s crucial to be aware of the less obvious signs that could indicate your levels are dangerously high – such as frequent or painful tingling in your hands.
This sensation arises when cholesterol deposits start to clog your blood vessels, impeding the flow of oxygen-rich blood and causing your hands to tingle. It’s important to note, though, that while tingling is a sign, numbness is not associated with cholesterol – if you can’t feel your fingers at all, cholesterol isn’t the culprit.
Another subtle indicator is pale nails, which suggest that blood flow through the vessels in your hands is insufficient.
Tingling and painful sensations in your hand could be a sign of high cholesterol (Image: Getty Images)
Legs
When it comes to your legs, the same process of cholesterol-induced plaque formation in your blood can lead to similar issues. As the arteries narrow, numbness and tingling may extend down into your legs, potentially signalling 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 experiencing any of these distressing symptoms, or have concerns about your health and lifestyle choices, the best and only way to find out your cholesterol levels is to visit your GP and have a blood test.