Cholesterol is not completely bad – the waxy, fat-like substance produced by your liver has some important functions. Cholesterol helps the formation of cell membranes, certain hormones, and vitamin D.
It is the excessively elevated levels of “bad” LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol circulating in your blood that is called High cholesterol because it collects on the inside of your arteries.
The first warning signs of high cholesterol can be life-threatening. That is because high cholesterol lies dormant for many years until it is too late.
It is therefore important to recognise the symptoms of the condition so as to make the appropriate changes to your lifestyle in time.
SYMPTOMS OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL:
Nature does, most of the time, send us alerts in the form of signs that can be seen on hands, skin and eyes – seeking attention to the high levels of cholesterol in the body.
Pain in hands
When there is an accumulation of plaque (fatty deposits) on the inner lining of the arteries. There is a buildup of deposits are made up of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin. It begins clogging and obstructing the flow of blood – causing a condition called atherosclerosis.
Growths on skin
If you see yellowish-orange growths on your skin, you may have deposits of cholesterol under your skin. You may have seen these curious lines under the eyes of a few people. These painless deposits can also appear on your palms or the backs of your lower legs. You must show these growths to your doctor.
Blue ring in eyes
In some people, a bluish or grey or white arc becomes visible above and below the outer part of the cornea – the clear, domelike covering over the front of the eye. This is a condition called “Arcus senilis”. It is considered a normal sign of ageing. But when it occurs in younger people (under 45 years of age) it is due to hyperlipidemia and is mostly associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
