Cholesterol: 5 Symptoms That Warn You It’s Too High (1/2)
High cholesterol is often called a “silent” condition because most people don’t experience symptoms from high cholesterol itself. The only reliable way to know your cholesterol level is with a blood test. Some physical signs can appear when cholesterol has contributed to cholesterol deposits or artery disease, but they are not typical early warning symptoms.
1. Yellowish Skin Deposits Around the Eyes
Small yellowish deposits around the eyelids, called xanthelasma, can be associated with high cholesterol or other lipid disorders. However, they can also occur in people with normal cholesterol levels.
2. Cholesterol Deposits in the Skin or Tendons
Xanthomas are fatty deposits that can appear as yellowish bumps under the skin or around tendons. They can sometimes indicate very high cholesterol or an inherited lipid disorder.
3. A Gray or White Ring Around the Cornea
A white or gray ring around the outer edge of the cornea is called corneal arcus. It can be associated with high cholesterol, particularly when it occurs at a younger age.
However, corneal arcus is also common with aging and does not by itself prove that cholesterol is high.
4. Chest Pain or Pressure
High cholesterol itself doesn’t cause chest pain. Over time, however, excess LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries. If the coronary arteries become narrowed, a person may develop chest discomfort, particularly with exertion.
New, severe, or unexplained chest pain requires urgent medical attention.
5. Symptoms of Reduced Blood Flow
Advanced artery disease associated with cholesterol buildup can produce symptoms such as leg pain during walking that improves with rest, which can occur with peripheral artery disease.
Sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, facial drooping, or other neurological symptoms can indicate a stroke and require emergency treatment.
The Most Important Point
Don’t wait for these signs before checking your cholesterol. High cholesterol usually has no noticeable symptoms. A lipid panel can measure LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.
Your cardiovascular risk depends on much more than cholesterol alone, including age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, family history, and previous cardiovascular disease.
Bottom Line
Yellowish deposits, xanthomas, and corneal changes can sometimes be clues to abnormal cholesterol, while chest or circulation symptoms can indicate complications from artery disease. None of these is a substitute for a blood test.
If you haven’t had your cholesterol checked recently, ask your healthcare professional whether a lipid test is appropriate for you.
