This unusual sign on the hands could mean you are at a risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Health experts have urged people to look out for an unusual sign of a potentially dangerous condition on your hands. More specifically, small lumps around the knuckles could be a symptom of high cholesterol.
Also known as hypercholesterolemia, having high cholesterol means you have too much cholesterol in your blood. While a certain amount of cholesterol is needed by the body, too much can be dangerous.
This is because it can build up in your blood vessels, leading to blockages and even hardening the walls. In time this massively increases your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
It is thought around two in five people in the UK are living with high cholesterol but many may not realise as it is typically a symptomless condition. It is not until they get their blood tested or suffer an associated health issue.
Experts at the British Heart Foundation (BHF) explained: “There are usually no symptoms of high cholesterol. But if left untreated, it can lead to heart attack and stroke. It’s often a hidden risk factor which means it can happen without us knowing until it’s too late. That is why it’s so important to get your cholesterol level checked.”
However, there are some telltale signs of the condition that can appear on the knuckles. This is known as tendon xanthomata – swellings made from cholesterol on the knuckles of your hands.
According to the BHF, these might also appear on your knees or the Achilles tendon at the back of your ankle. These typically occur if you have something called familial hypercholesterolemia – high cholesterol caused by your genetics.
The Family Heart Foundation goes into more detail about this symptom: “Bumps or lumps around the knuckles, elbows, and knees, called ‘xanthomas’. These are formed when excess cholesterol deposits on tendons or under the skin. They may be noticed by a dermatologist.
“Thickened and sometimes painful Achilles tendons (‘tendon xanthomas’). Excess cholesterol may deposit in the tendons, which makes them enlarged and may cause pain when wearing shoes.”
You might also notice small yellow bumps around your eyes, known as xanthelasmas, if you have familial hypercholesterolemia. If you notice any signs of high cholesterol you should speak to your doctor.
To lower your cholesterol the NHS recommends:
- Eating a healthy balanced diet that is low in saturated fat
- Exercising more
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing your alcohol intake.
