Cholesterol: 5 Signs That May Warn of a Problem
High cholesterol is often called a “silent” condition because it usually causes no symptoms by itself. The only reliable way to know whether cholesterol is too high is through a blood test. However, very high cholesterol—especially when it is inherited—can sometimes produce physical signs that deserve medical attention.
1. Yellowish Bumps Around the Eyes
Soft yellowish deposits around the eyelids, known as xanthelasma, can sometimes be associated with abnormal cholesterol levels. They can also occur in people whose cholesterol is normal, so they aren’t enough to diagnose high cholesterol.
2. Cholesterol Deposits in Tendons
Firm lumps or thickening around tendons, particularly near the Achilles tendon or hands, can occur with familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition that causes very high LDL cholesterol.
3. A Grayish Ring Around the Cornea
A gray or white ring around the outer edge of the cornea, called corneal arcus, can be associated with high cholesterol in younger people. In older adults, however, it is often related to aging and doesn’t necessarily indicate high cholesterol.
4. Chest Pain During Activity
High cholesterol itself doesn’t usually cause chest pain. Over time, however, excess LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease. Chest pressure or pain with exertion therefore deserves medical evaluation.
5. Leg Pain When Walking
Reduced blood flow caused by peripheral artery disease can produce aching or cramping in the legs during walking that improves with rest. High cholesterol is one of several risk factors for this condition.
The Most Important “Symptom” Is a Blood Test
Don’t wait for physical signs to appear. High cholesterol commonly has no noticeable symptoms at all. A lipid blood test can measure LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.
If you have risk factors for cardiovascular disease or have been told your cholesterol is elevated, discuss your results with a healthcare professional.
