High cholesterol isn’t something you can easily spot. It doesn’t come with a flashing warning light or a sudden onset of symptoms. Instead, it quietly builds up over time, potentially leading to serious health risks like heart disease or stroke. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to wait for it to become a major issue. By paying attention to the early signs, you can take action before it’s too late.
1. Yellowish Deposits on the Skin
Have you noticed small, yellowish patches on your skin, particularly around your eyes, elbows, knees, or even your hands? This could be xanthomas, which are fatty deposits that can form when cholesterol levels are abnormally high. They’re often overlooked as a harmless skin issue, but in reality, they’re a clear sign that something might be wrong internally.
If you notice this, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. They can offer advice and recommend treatment options. As you can see from this high cholesterol medication infographic, certain medications can help lower cholesterol quickly and reduce the risk of these symptoms worsening.
2. Numbness or Coldness in Your Limbs
It’s not uncommon for people with high cholesterol to experience poor circulation. If your arteries are clogged with cholesterol, blood flow to your extremities—like your arms, legs, hands, and feet—can be restricted. This might leave you feeling a tingling sensation or even numbness in your limbs. Sometimes, your hands and feet might feel cold for no apparent reason, even in warm environments.
This is one of those signs that can be easily dismissed, but it’s a potential red flag. Reduced blood flow can be a precursor to more serious conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is associated with high cholesterol. If you’ve noticed your limbs are unusually cold or you feel pins and needles more often than usual, it’s worth checking in with a doctor.
3. Chest Pain or Shortness of Breath
You might think that chest pain or shortness of breath is an immediate cause for alarm—and you’re right. If you’re experiencing either of these, especially during physical activity, it’s a sign that your heart isn’t getting enough blood due to blocked or narrowed arteries. This condition is known as angina, and it can be a direct result of high cholesterol.
Don’t ignore chest discomfort, even if it feels mild. It’s often one of the first signs that something more serious could be happening with your cardiovascular health. Shortness of breath when climbing stairs or doing basic activities might also be a subtle sign that your cholesterol is too high.
4. Fatigue and Weakness
Do you feel tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep? High cholesterol might be to blame. Fatigue and general weakness are often signs that your body isn’t getting the oxygen it needs. When cholesterol builds up in your arteries, it reduces the efficiency of your blood flow, meaning less oxygen-rich blood gets to your muscles and organs.
Over time, this can lead to a feeling of exhaustion, even after simple tasks. If you’re feeling unusually drained and can’t seem to pinpoint why it might be a good idea to have your cholesterol levels checked. It’s an often-overlooked symptom, but it can reveal a lot about your heart health.
5. High Blood Pressure
While high blood pressure (hypertension) is not a direct sign of high cholesterol, the two are closely linked. When cholesterol accumulates in your arteries, it makes them narrower, forcing your heart to work harder to pump blood through them. This increases your blood pressure and, over time, can put a significant strain on your heart and arteries.
If your blood pressure is consistently higher than it should be, it could indicate that your cholesterol levels are also elevated. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is important, and if you find your readings are often high, it’s wise to discuss the possibility of high cholesterol with your doctor. They can recommend simple lifestyle changes or medications to help manage both conditions.
6. Sudden Changes in Vision
This one might surprise you, but high cholesterol can affect your vision too. One specific condition to be aware of is arcus senilis, a white or greyish ring that forms around the cornea. While this condition is more common in older adults, it can also occur in younger people with very high cholesterol levels.
Another potential issue is blurry vision or temporary blindness, which can result from plaque buildup in the arteries leading to your eyes. This is rare, but it’s a serious sign that your cholesterol may be dangerously high. If you experience sudden changes in your vision, don’t wait—seek medical advice immediately.
7. Digestive Issues
Lastly, let’s talk about digestion. People with high cholesterol sometimes experience gallstones due to an excess of cholesterol in the bile—a fluid your liver produces to help digest fats. Gallstones can lead to sharp pain in the abdomen, nausea, or even vomiting after eating fatty meals. If left untreated, this can become a more serious issue requiring medical intervention.
Pay attention to any unusual digestive symptoms, especially after eating. If you’re frequently dealing with abdominal pain or discomfort, it could be worth exploring whether high cholesterol is playing a role.
Taking Action Now Can Save You Later
Cholesterol is tricky—it doesn’t always announce itself loudly. The signs are often subtle and easy to ignore, but that doesn’t mean they should be dismissed. If any of the symptoms we’ve discussed sound familiar, don’t hesitate to take action. Whether it’s a simple lifestyle adjustment or medication, addressing high cholesterol early can make a huge difference in preventing more severe health issues down the road.
