Determining whether cholesterol is dangerously high can be as simple as looking in the mirror.

Doctors say that specific kinds of bumps near the eyes, and swelling in the hands and legs can indicate that your cholesterol has reached levels that raise their risk of heart attack and stroke.

Some 71 million Americans suffer high cholesterol — when a fatty substance builds in the blood vessels, damaging them and restricting blood flow to and from the heart. 

Studies estimate that around 40 percent of people with the potentially deadly condition, which is diagnosed via blood test, don’t know they have it, so remain untreated.  

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that can build up and damage blood vessels that supply the heart. It is found in animal products, like meat and egg yolks

Saturated fats in the diet, as well as obesity, stimulate cholesterol production in the liver. Typically, the higher the cholesterol level in the blood, the higher the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

It is thought that millions of heart attacks and strokes could be prevented every year if those with high cholesterol were spotted and treated with medication. 

Experts say there are telltale signs that are easy to spot, which few people know about. 

Bumps around the eyes, usually yellow-tinged because of the color of fat under the skin, are a hallmark sign of high cholesterol, as are bumps and swelling in the hands.

Those bumps on the face are called xanthelasma and usually aren’t painful. However, they could indicate fat is flowing through the bloodstream.

Yellowish bumps on the hands, yellow because the color of fat deposits, are a hallmark signal that a person has high cholesterol. Yellow bumps around the eyes typically aren’t painful but may signal fats accumulating in your bloodstream 

Yet another sign on the face is a thin blue, white, or gray circle around the colored portion of the eye, the iris. The circle becomes increasingly noticeable with age and is most commonly seen in men.

The third most frequent sign of fat accumulation in the blood is called retinal vein occlusion, which causes a bulging eye. It typically occurs when the fat clumps in blood vessels break off and obstruct the vein supplying blood to the retina, causing fat leakage.

Signs are equally as noticeable in the hands. Swelling around the knuckles is common, resulting in pain in the tendons. It can occur around any tendon, including the heel.

High cholesterol can also cause pins and needles in the hands and legs due to limited blood flow to those areas. It doesn’t cause numbness, though. So if you can’t feel your fingers, you’re probably in the clear.

Cholesterol is produced in the liver, supporting crucial bodily processes, including shoring up the protective membranes around cells, making hormones, and digesting food.

Read More

Pale nails are another sign to watch for, indicating that oxygenated blood flow is impeded to the hands.

Tingling in the legs could indicate peripheral artery disease, characterized by narrowed peripheral arteries that carry blood away from the heart to other parts of the body.

PAD also increases the risk of ulcers, sores that develop on the skin or in mucus membranes within the body, such as the mouth. It also affects blood flow to the kidneys and the stomach.

Doctors warned recently that around 65 million Americans could be at risk of developing a deadly stroke or heart attack in middle age due to a specific protein in cholesterol called lipoprotein a.

It is known to be more harmful than other types of LDL, as it is made from ‘sticky’ proteins that enable it to quickly form a clump, interfering with healthy blood flow.

Small Changes in Your Hands Could Indicate High Cholesterol – And Increase Your Risk of a Heart Attack

Heart health is one of the most important health concerns, yet early warning signs of high cholesterol and the risk of heart attacks often go unnoticed. Certain small changes in your hands, although easy to overlook, may be important indicators of your cardiovascular health.

Signs of High Cholesterol in Your Hands

High cholesterol typically has no obvious symptoms, making it crucial to identify early warning signs to prevent serious complications, including heart attacks and strokes. According to medical experts, some unusual signs in the hands can indicate high cholesterol levels. These changes may include:

1. Appearance of Small Yellow Nodules (Xanthomas): Small, soft, yellowish lumps under the skin may appear around finger joints or areas on the hands. These nodules result from cholesterol building up in soft tissues. Xanthomas are usually painless, but they are a clear sign that the body is struggling with high cholesterol. If you notice these unusual lumps, consulting a doctor is essential.
2. Dry and Flaky Skin on the Hands: High cholesterol can narrow blood vessels, leading to poor blood circulation. When tissues don’t receive enough blood, the skin can become dry and flaky, especially on the hands and fingers. If your hands are unusually dry and uncomfortable despite regular moisturizing, this may be a sign of high cholesterol.
3. Pain and Numbness in the Fingers: A feeling of numbness or pain in the fingers may result from poor circulation due to blood vessels narrowing from cholesterol buildup. This discomfort often persists or occurs when holding heavy objects for a prolonged period. If you experience this regularly, consider getting your cholesterol levels checked.

Why Is High Cholesterol Dangerous?

High cholesterol can lead to multiple cardiovascular issues, including atherosclerosis – the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup. As arteries narrow, blood flow becomes restricted, significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Over time, plaque can rupture, causing blood clots that block blood flow to the heart and lead to severe heart attacks.

Preventive Measures and Treatment for High Cholesterol

If you notice unusual signs in your hands or are at high risk for cholesterol, seeing a doctor is the first and most crucial step. Some ways to manage cholesterol include:

1. Healthy Diet: Limit foods high in saturated fats and cholesterol, while increasing intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fiber-rich foods.
2. Regular Exercise: Daily physical activity helps manage cholesterol levels and improves cardiovascular health.
3. Regular Health Screenings: Routine blood tests will help monitor cholesterol levels, allowing for dietary or lifestyle adjustments when needed.
4. Cholesterol-Lowering Medication (if necessary): In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood.

Conclusion

Small changes in your hands may be important early indicators of cardiovascular health and high cholesterol. Paying attention to your body and recognizing unusual signs can help you detect hidden health problems early, allowing for timely prevention and treatment. Take care of yourself by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting regular health check-ups to protect your heart.