The condition is known as a ‘silent killer’ because it can cause serious health problems without any obvious symptoms
High cholesterol is a common issue that affects more than one in five adults in the UK. It is often called a ‘silent killer’ because it typically doesn’t present any symptoms, especially in its early stages, meaning you may have it without realising.
The only way to check is by getting a blood test. Having elevated cholesterol levels without knowing can greatly heighten the risk of heart disease and stroke.
But, sometimes, it can cause a few warning signs before it gets any worse – so being aware of what to watch out for could be life saving. One reg flag indication could be xanthomas, a subtle signal that your body is struggling with high levels of cholesterol.
These could appear anywhere on your body so it’s worth being extra vigilant if you suspect any new lumps and bumps could be caused by cholesterol. Medics have confirmed that these xanthomas are fatty deposits of cholesterol that appear as lumps under the skin.
You’ll most commonly notice them around the knees, elbows, hands and Achilles tendons. They can also known to appear under the eyes too. Characterised as small, yellowish bumps on the skin, you should get them checked by a doctor and raise concerns about your cholesterol levels being responsible. A blood test carried out by a doctor is the only way to confirm a diagnosis.
High cholesterol causes blockages in arteries that pump blood around your body, which is why many subtle warning signs are often linked to the skin. You could experience other signals that may seem subtle, while others can be a little scary to spot.
Your skin could start to change colour over time due to restricted blood flow. There’s a chance you could also find yourself suffering with ‘blue toe syndrome’, where your feet start to switch from their normal healthy colour to a shade of blue or purple.
Your skin might also change in texture too. High cholesterol sufferers might notice their skin becomes shinier than usual, almost waxxy-looking, without any external reason. This may be linked to peripheral arterial disease (PAD).
There is also a condition known as ‘eruptive xanthomatosis’ that presents as a ‘rash of small, hard, raised bumps’ that can look like chickenpox or measles. Thankfully, it’s a rare condition that roughly affects 10% of people with high fat levels in the blood.
If confirmed, a doctor is likely to recommend a rather drastic overhaul of your lifestyle – tackling aspects like diet and exercise needs. It is also possible that they will prescribe some sort of medication – usually statins – to help cut your harmful levels of cholesterol down to a healthy range.
Fortunatley, high cholesterol can be reversed through these lifestyle changes. The NHS suggests eating less fatty foods, especially food that contains saturated fat, as this increases cholesterol levels.
People are also urged to give up smoking and limit how much alcohol they drink on a regular basis. Doing a few different exercises is also encouraged, with patients often urged to find something they like doing as they’re then more likely to keep doing it. For more information about high cholesterol, visit the NHS website.
