The Forming Of A Grey Ring Around Your Cornea
This one is pretty tough to spot, so look closely. If you notice that theres a greyish ring around the cornea of your eye, that could be a pretty good indication of high cholesterol being built up in that area. The cornea covers the iris of the eye. Because the grey rings are common with older people, its only a reliable indicator of high cholesterol for people under 45.
Dangers Of High Cholesterol
When there is too much cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream it clumps together and builds up on your artery walls. This causes your normally soft and flexible arteries to become stiff, hard and narrow, choking off blood flow to the heart or at worse, blocking blood flow altogether. A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is completely blocked.
Because high cholesterol doesnt cause any apparent symptoms, its best to have your cholesterol checked during routine wellness checks. The test is relatively simple. You fast for 12 hours and come in for a blood draw to check your cholesterol levels.
Most patients find it easy to come in for cholesterol testing after an overnight fast. Once your results are in, Dr. Morayati will discuss them with you and talk about steps to keep your cholesterol within a normal range.
High cholesterol is the biggest risk factor for heart attack and stroke but you can do something about it. Know your numbers, know your risk, and make the necessary changes to keep your heart strong and healthy.
The road to improved heart health starts with a visit to discuss your cardiovascular health. Start by calling our office to schedule an appointment. To keep you connected to top-quality care, we offer in-person andtelehealth appointments for new and existing patients.
You Might Also Enjoy…
Neck Pain And Headaches
Because high cholesterol leads to the blocking of arteries, theres a good chance that the blood flow to and from your head can be disturbed. The result is a sore neck and sudden headaches on an occasional basis, and you might even deal with some pain in your shoulders as well. A nagging headache in the back is a very good indication of excessive cholesterol levels according to doctors.
You May Like: Hdl And Alcohol
The Warning Signs That You Might Have High Cholesterol
Drinking, smoking, overeating and laziness all put you at high risk of the condition
High cholesterol is a blood condition that can lead to potentially fatal incidents such as heart attacks and strokes.
Cholesterol is a natural ingredient in blood and it is also a vital substance for building healthy cells.
But when we have too much of it, the condition can lead to serious health problems.
READ MORE:LeicestershireLive health stories in our dedicated section
Although it can cause chest pains, strokes and heart issues, there are no definitive symptoms for high cholesterol – the only way to say for sure whether you have it or not is a blood test.
But there are several signs you could be at risk of high cholesterol, and if they apply, it would be wise to get a test from your GP.
Warning Sign Of High Cholesterol
A warning sign of high cholesterol can be painful fingers and toes.
It is thought the pain is caused by an accumulation of cholesterol in the vessels of the legs and hands.
Another symptom commonly associated with the condition is a tingling sensation in the toes and fingers.
Speaking to the Express, Dr Rahul Agrawal: “everyone needs to monitor their cholesterol levels”.
“Interruptions in the blood flow to certain parts of the body makes a tingling sensation in hands and legs,
“The high cholesterol levels in the blood make the blood flow thick and affect the normal flow of blood in the nerves and cause tingling.”
Fatty lumps can form under the skin, which can appear in the hands and feet.
These fatty lumps are known xanthoma and can vary in size, from the size of a grape all the way down to that of a pinhead.
It is understood they can often appear in yellow or orange, and look like a flat bump under the skin.
They could be tender or sensitive to the touch.
They can also appear on the elbows, buttocks or knees.
Although doctors can diagnose the condition you may need a skin biopsy.
Meanwhile, a lipid blood test can inform patients whether they have high cholesterol levels.
It is thought that xanthomas can reduce if cholesterol levels are reduced. For dangerous levels of cholesterol, doctors are likely to prescribe statins, which work by slowing down the production of cholesterol in the liver.
Read More
You May Like: Shrimp And Cholesterol
Five Signs Of High Cholesterol In Your Legs That You Must Address At ‘earliest Opportunity’
According to Cardiovascular Institute of the South , this most commonly occurs in the legs
Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver that brings many important health benefits, such as making hormones and building cell membranes. High cholesterol means you have too much of the “bad” cholesterol.
This is known as LDL cholesterol. It clings to the inside of arteries, thereby raising the risk of a blockage that can lead to a heart attack.
When arteries become blocked by cholesterol, it often represents the first warning signs – the Express reports.
When this blockage takes place in the arteries outside of the heart, it is called peripheral Artery Disease .
According to Cardiovascular Institute of the South , this most commonly occurs in the legs.
“Although there may be no physical signs at all, there are some symptoms that have been noted to occur with PAD,” explains CIS.
While patients with high cholesterol should be vigilant in their arterial care at all times, “particular signs should be addressed at the earliest opportunity”, says the health body.
These include:
- Painful cramping in the legs
- Numbness or weakness in the legs
- Slow hair growth on the legs
- Coldness in the lower leg or foot on one side
- Weak pulse in the legs.
It is important to note that most people will not experience symptoms of high cholesterol, particularly in the beginning.
You can only find out if you have it from a blood test.
There are two ways of having a cholesterol test:
Read More
Warning Signs In Your Breath That Mean You May Have High Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels are considered an indicator of heart and other circulatory diseases which are responsible for a quarter of UK deaths. An expert reveals the warning signs to look out for
Dubbed a silent killer due to the lack of symptoms, high cholesterol either runs in the family or is caused by lifestyle choices – such as by eating fatty food, not exercising enough, smoking and drinking alcohol.
When your cholesterol levels are high, it can cause your blood vessels to thicken and cut off blood supply to the heart and brain.
But since there tends to be no symptoms, people often dont realise that their cholesterol is high until its too late.
If left untreated, high cholesterol can result in health emergencies like a heart attack or stroke.
Though signs may be hard to spot, there might be some indications of a blockage caused by high cholesterol.
Also Check: Is Tuna Fish High In Cholesterol
When To Seek Help
The NHS recommends that everyone over 40 should get a test straight away if they have never had one before.
The NHS website also recommends people speak to their GP about a cholesterol test if they are overweight, or if there is a family history of high cholesterol.
People whose test results show they do have high levels could be advised to take regular tests to monitor their blood health.
There are other warning signs that you could be at a higher risk of high cholesterol and they include having:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Lupus
Read More
Related Articles
- Organ transplants
Risk factors also include:
- A poor diet with too much saturated fat or trans fats
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Being older
If you think you might be at risk of high cholesterol, the advice is to get tested straight away.
To avoid getting high cholesterol to start with, the Mayo Clinic advice is to:
- Eat a low-salt diet with fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Limit the amount of animal fats
- Lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Exercise on most days of the week for at least 30 minutes
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Manage stress
Keep up with the latest news with our email alerts directly to your inbox.
Read More
What Foods Contain Cholesterol
There are several animal fats that are sources of cholesterol. Animal fats are complex mixtures of triglycerides and contain lower amounts of cholesterols and phospholipids.
Major dietary sources of cholesterol include cheese, egg yolks, beef, pork, poultry, and shrimp. Plants do not typically contain cholesterol, however, plant products such as flax seeds and peanuts may contain cholesterol-like compounds called phytosterols. These are good types of cholesterol and help in lowering bad cholesterol levels.
Saturated fats and trans fats in food are the worst culprits and should be avoided as often as possible, especially for people over the age of 30 or who are at higher risk. Saturated fats are present in full-fat dairy products, animal fats, several types of oils, and chocolates. Trans fats are present in hydrogenated oils and are not found in significant amounts in nature. These are found in many fast foods, snack foods, and deep-fried goods which are important to avoid if you are at risk.
Due to the fact that high cholesterol doesnt cause symptoms in the early stages, its important to make good lifestyle choices that minimize the risk for bad cholesterol to buildup. We, along with a majority of doctors, advise that patients eat a healthy diet, maintain an exercise routine, and regularly monitor their cholesterol levels by getting tested regularly, or as the American Heart Association advises.
Also Check: Are Shrimp Bad For Cholesterol
Good Vs Bad Cholesterol
Bad cholesterol, Low-density lipoproteins , can build up in your arteries and lead to health complications. Good cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins , returns your LDL cholesterol to the liver where the body can get rid of it. Your body needs a healthy balance of both good and bad cholesterol.
A diet high in fats increases LDL cholesterol in your blood. If LDL levels become too high or if you dont have enough HDL cholesterol to remove excess LDL, fatty deposits build up in your blood vessels. As a result, it makes it difficult for your body to pump adequate blood supply, creating potentially life-threatening problems impacting the heart or brain.
High cholesterol does not always cause symptoms in fact it typically begins with no symptoms at all. Thats why regular cholesterol screenings are so important regardless if you think you have high cholesterol or not.
You Experience Leg Pain While Exercising
If you experience a burning pain or feel like your legs are tired or heavy it may indicate poor blood flow to your legs, which could be related to high cholesterol. Pain may impact one or both legs, as well as any part of the leg from the calf to your buttocks. Most of the time the pain subsides with rest but then reoccurs when you do the same level of activity again, such as walking two blocks.
You May Like: Do Egg Beaters Have Cholesterol
When Should High Cholesterol Be Treated With Medication
If youve had a heart attack, stroke, or have diabetes or been diagnosed with inherited high cholesterol, youll need to take one or more cholesterol-lowering medications, in addition to being careful with your diet and staying active. Statins can have a tremendous impact for lowering LDL cholesterol, says Khandwalla. Statins decrease your risk of illness and dying if youre in one of these high-risk groups.
In addition to statins, which should always be used first, other cholesterol-lowering drugs include fibrates, niacin, PCSK9 inhibitors, bile-acid sequestrants, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors, according to the CDC.
If you found out your cholesterol was high after a routine checkup, discuss your test results with your doctor. Your doctor will calculate your individual risk of heart attack or stroke to decide if you should be on a statin.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend giving a healthy diet and active lifestyle a try first. However, if your cholesterol levels remain high, you may need a heart scan to look for plaque buildup in your arteries, and your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs to lower your heart-disease and stroke risk.
What Is High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy type of fat produced by the liver that is essential to the digestion of food and also used in the production of certain hormones and vitamin D. However, when certain cholesterol levels are high, they can adversely affect blood circulation and contribute to the onset of heart disease.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
- Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: Often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, this is the type of cholesterol that can accumulate on the walls of arteries, causing plaques that narrow and harden blood vessels and increase blood pressure.
- High-density lipoprotein cholesterol: Often referred to as “good” cholesterol, this is the type that transports cholesterol from the rest of your body to the liver so that it can be removed from the body.
In the broadest sense, high cholesterol can be described as having too much LDL cholesterol and not enough HDL cholesterol.
There is another form of LDL, called very low-density cholesterol, that is responsible for transporting triglycerides through the body. Triglycerides are another type of lipid that, when elevated, can increase the risk of heart disease.
Read Also: Is Oyster High In Cholesterol
Yellow Rashes On The Eyelids
These yellow rashes are similar to the yellow cholesterol bubbles on your body, but smaller and on this time on your eyelids. The condition is known as xanthelasma. Luckily, it doesnt have any negative effects on your eyesight. Laser and acid treatments are available to get rid of these rash bubbles, but the more effective and permanent solution is just to lower your cholesterol levels altogether.
Please this with your friends and family.
Theres Good And Bad Cholesterol
Overall, cholesterol is important for our bodies. We use cholesterol to do a variety of things, said Dr. Kirley. Our body creates cholesterol whether we eat it or not and its good to have for certain functions within our bodies.
But there are some types of cholesterol that are potentially helpful and protective, she added. We usually think of HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, cholesterol as somewhat protective for our hearts and blood vessels because it absorbs cholesterol and carries it back to the liver.
We tend to think of LDL cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein, as the main type of cholesterol that we focus on as a potentially harmful cholesterol for our hearts because it collects in the walls of your blood vessels, said Dr. Kirley.
You May Like: Is Canned Tuna Bad For Cholesterol
How High Cholesterol Is Detected
It is important to note that most people will not experience symptoms of high cholesterol, particularly in the beginning.
You can only find out if you have it from a blood test.
“Your GP might suggest having a test if they think your cholesterol level could be high,” explains the NHS.
According to the health body, this may be because of your age, weight, or another condition you have .
There are two ways of having a cholesterol test:
- Taking blood from your arm
- Finger-prick test.
“If you have high cholesterol, a doctor or nurse will talk to you about how you can lower it,” explains the NHS.
Numbness In The Body Parts
If you are constantly experiencing numbness in your body parts, then high cholesterol can be responsible for that. However, other causes can also be responsible for numbness and swelling.
When bad cholesterol appears high in your body, it affects blood circulation and prevents healthy nutrients from reaching the body. The lack of proper oxygen is also a cause of swelling and unusual numbness.
Also Check: Shrimp Cholesterol Myth
Cholesterol And High Bp Run Together
It is important to note that high cholesterol and high blood pressure tend to run together, said Dr. Kirley. One doesnt necessarily cause the other, but its very common to see both in an individual.
And certainly, both of them contribute to raising somebodys risk for heart attack and stroke, she added, noting that the interventions to helpthings like more physical activity and nutritioncan impact both your blood pressure and your cholesterol.
How To Lower Your Cholesterol
Dr. McClymont gives the following tips to lower your cholesterol :
1. Cut back on saturated fats
Saturated fats are found in meats, cheese, vegetable oils and other animal- based foods. Cutting back on your saturated fat intake could reduce the risk of heart disease by 17 percent, and reducing the amount of fats you use could lower it by as much as 30 percent.
2. Eat more fibre
Dr. McClymont says eating three grams of soluble fibre a day – the amount you get from three apples – can help lower cholesterol. Other fibre-rich food she suggests include wholegrain versions of foods, like cereals, pasta and bread, as well as beans, oats, fruit and vegetables into your diet.
3. Exercise regularly
Just two hours exercise like aerobics in your week reduce the risk of heart disease by 7.6 percent in women and 5.1 percent in men. It also helps to increase your levels of HDL cholesterol, which is the form that protects your heart.
4. Eat home cooking instead of junk food
Processed foods are high in saturated fats, refined grains, added sugars and salt, so instead cook from scratch and use fresh ingredients where possible.
Dr McClymont advises that its worth trying more plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet which includes brightly coloured fruits, vegetables and wholegrains, alongside servings of fish and healthy fats, like olive oil, can reduce blood cholesterol by up to 15 percent.
Read More
You May Like: Does Canned Tuna Have Cholesterol