High cholesterol rarely presents symptoms – but a blood test can show if you have high levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol’ – and there are also some little-known signs that present on the body, including one that can show on your fourth and fifth fingers
Elevated cholesterol levels typically display minimal symptoms, with many individuals only discovering their condition following hospital admission after suffering a heart attack or stroke.
Nevertheless, a blood test can reveal whether you have high concentrations of ‘bad’ cholesterol – and there are some lesser-known indicators that manifest on the body, including one that can appear on your fourth and fifth fingers.
High cholesterol poses serious risks if left untreated, though this fatty substance occurs naturally in the human body, with certain types of cholesterol actually serving a vital function in maintaining cellular health.
However, there are “good” and “bad” cholesterol varieties, and a symptom-free blood test will provide a measurement of all cholesterol present in your bloodstream, referred to as your ‘total cholesterol’ reading.
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, represents the form of cholesterol requiring attention when blood levels are elevated, whilst HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is regarded as the ‘good’ variety of blood fat.
One obscure indicator your cholesterol may be raised, called Dupuytren’s contracture, can manifest on your hand.
Open Access Government is a publication that creates ‘compelling and informative products’ across the Health and Social Care, Research and Innovation and Government sectors – and they have outlined the condition, Dupuytren’s contracture, alongside the warning signs that can emerge on your fingers.
The publication explained: “This is a type of deformity of the hand. The tendons that supply the 4th and 5th fingers, in the palm of the hands, become tightened and contracted, such that you find it hard to fully straighten the 4th and 5th Over time, the fingers become permanently bent.”, reports Surrey Live.
Open Access Government said: “Dupuytren’s contracture occurs more often in those with raised cholesterol levels but is also associated with smoking, alcohol, and diabetes.”
Adults across the UK aged between 40 and 74 can access cholesterol screening through the complimentary NHS health check programme, available to residents every five years.
Elevated LDL levels pose serious risks including heart disease and stroke, as this harmful cholesterol variety accumulates within arterial walls, potentially disrupting blood circulation.
Research has highlighted certain foods like fibre as crucial weapons against harmful cholesterol, alongside lifestyle modifications including quitting smoking and embracing physical activity.
Nevertheless, genetic influences can trigger the accumulation of a specific blood fat called Lipoprotein(a) within the system.
Women experiencing perimenopause or menopause may see both LDL and Lipoprotein(a) levels rise in their bloodstream, believed to correlate with falling oestrogen concentrations.
Should cholesterol readings prove elevated, medical professionals may recommend pharmaceutical interventions such as statins.