Cholesterol, a waxy substance produced by the liver, is crucial for cell membrane formation, vitamin D, and certain hormones. Consuming too many foods high in unhealthy fats increases the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. The following signs may indicate high cholesterol.

Yellow patches on the eyelids. One of the easily recognizable signs of high cholesterol is the appearance of small, flat, yellowish patches along the inner corners of the eyelids. These are called xanthelasmata – soft, cholesterol-rich deposits under the skin. While benign and painless, these pale yellow patches often signal a systemic lipid imbalance, more common in people with familial hypercholesterolemia. They may indicate elevated LDL, so individuals with these signs should get their cholesterol checked soon.

White or gray ring around the eyes. Another eye-related sign of high cholesterol is arcus senilis, a gray or white ring around the edge of the cornea. Although this is also a natural effect of aging, early onset arcus senilis (before the age of 45-50) is often associated with high cholesterol. It is caused by lipid deposits accumulating around the periphery of the cornea. This condition suggests a lipid metabolism abnormality that may need monitoring.

Yellow bumps on the skin and tendons. Yellow bumps raised on the skin, called xanthomas, are cholesterol-rich deposits that appear in uncomfortable locations such as the elbows, knees, hands, feet, or buttocks. These bumps can be small, clustered, and are often accompanied by more serious lipid disorders. In notable cases, a diet high in unhealthy fats can also lead to the development of painless, widespread yellow bumps with total cholesterol levels exceeding the normal range.

Cholesterol can also deposit in tendons, forming hard, painless nodules called tendon xanthomas, especially in the Achilles tendon (behind the heel), hands, or elbows.

Fatigue, chest discomfort, and shortness of breath. Coronary arteries blocked by cholesterol plaque can cause fatigue, chest tightness (angina), and shortness of breath, even with minimal activity. Chest pain in this case has a tight or heavy feeling, sometimes spreading to the arms or jaw. Persistent shortness of breath and fatigue are also typical signs as the heart has to work harder to pump blood through narrowed blood vessels.

Neurological symptoms. Atherosclerosis due to high cholesterol can block blood vessels in the brain, manifesting as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or mini-strokes. Be aware of sudden numbness, weakness (often on one side), difficulty speaking, or vision changes. These are serious warning signs that require prompt medical attention to prevent permanent damage.

Tingling, coldness, and slow-healing wounds. High cholesterol can impede peripheral circulation, leading to numbness, tingling, cold extremities, skin discoloration, or slow-healing wounds. In severe cases, high cholesterol leads to peripheral artery disease (PAD), causing intermittent claudication. This is muscle pain that occurs in the legs during activity and subsides after rest, often a typical symptom of PAD.

Bao Bao (Times of India)