Cholesterol is an essential fat for the body, helping to build cells, produce hormones and support the digestive process. However, when cholesterol levels, especially LDL (bad cholesterol), increase beyond the allowable level, it can accumulate in the blood vessel walls, causing atherosclerosis and increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, stroke or cerebrovascular accident.
High cholesterol is usually only detected through regular blood tests. However, the body sometimes sends out specific clinical signs, warning that your cholesterol levels are at unsafe levels.
Clinical signs of high cholesterol
Here are some common manifestations:
1. Grayish-white ring around the cornea (Arcus senilis)
One of the signs that is easily recognized by the naked eye is arcus senilis, a white or light gray ring that appears at the edge of the cornea (the transparent part covering the iris). This sign is common in people over 60 and is not usually considered abnormal in this age group. However, if the white ring appears in people under 40, it can be an important indicator of high blood cholesterol levels, especially in people with a family history of early heart disease.
This gray-white ring does not affect vision, but its presence is a good reason to have your blood lipids checked as soon as possible, especially when it is accompanied by other risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity or smoking.
2. Xanthelasma around the eyes and tendons (Xanthelasma)
Xanthelasma are soft, white or pale yellow patches or nodules, often found on the skin around the eyes, especially on the eyelids or near the bridge of the nose. These lesions are the result of cholesterol deposits under the skin, and can appear symmetrically on both sides of the face. Xanthelasma is painless, but can be aesthetically disturbing.
In addition, another form of cholesterol accumulation is tendon xanthomas, which can appear in places such as the knuckles, knees, Achilles tendons, or tendons in the feet. These lumps are usually hard, slow-growing, and are a fairly specific sign of chronic lipid disorders, especially in people with familial hypercholesterolemia.
The appearance of xanthomas not only affects appearance but also is a risk factor for high cholesterol.
3. Abnormal signs in the hands
Abnormal signs in the hands (Dupuytren’s contracture) is a connective tissue disorder in the palm of the hand, causing tendon contractions and causing the fingers (usually the ring and little fingers) to bend and become difficult to straighten. Over time, these fingers can become permanently contracted, making daily activities difficult.
Although the exact cause is unknown, the condition is often seen in people with high cholesterol levels, especially when accompanied by risk factors such as smoking, heavy drinking or diabetes. Dupuytren’s contracture is a less common manifestation, but it has warning value in screening for cardiovascular risk.
If you notice unusually hard bands on your palms, or difficulty straightening your fingers, seek medical attention early, especially if you are in a high-risk group.
4. Absent Pulses
One of the more serious manifestations that can only be detected by clinical examination is the phenomenon of absent pulses (ie blood vessels in the hands or feet no longer beat clearly as usual).
This occurs when cholesterol builds up over time, causing blockage or narrowing of large arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the limbs.
In addition to a weak or absent pulse, your doctor may also hear a bruit, which is an abnormal noise heard through a stethoscope over the narrowed arteries. Some people may develop a heart murmur if high cholesterol causes a narrowing of the aorta.
An absent pulse is a red flag that you are at risk for serious vascular disease, even stroke or heart attack if left untreated.
Simple habits to help you control cholesterol better
Here are 5 tips for making daily lifestyle changes that can help:
1. Make smarter food choices
Instead of being too restrictive, try switching to a smarter way of eating. For example, instead of frying in oil, steam, boil or grill. Use vegetable oils such as olive oil, sunflower oil instead of animal fat. Limit foods that increase bad cholesterol such as fatty meats, organs, chicken skin.
2. Eat more foods that help clean the blood vessels
There are some natural foods that can help the body reduce cholesterol such as oats, soybeans, avocados, nuts, green vegetables and fresh fruits. The fiber in these foods helps pull excess cholesterol out of the digestive system before it enters the blood.
3. Exercise regularly
Just walk for 30 minutes a day, or simply clean the house, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or do some morning stretches. Staying active helps the body burn fat, improve circulation, and naturally increase good cholesterol.
4. Quit smoking and reduce alcohol
If you smoke, consider quitting, not only to protect your lungs but also to help increase HDL cholesterol. As for alcohol, if you can’t abstain completely, you should limit it to moderate levels, for example, just 1 small glass of wine if you are a woman, and no more than 2 glasses for men per day.
5. Get regular health checks
Many healthy people still have high cholesterol without knowing it. So consider getting your cholesterol tested every 6–12 months as part of your self-care. Especially if you have ever seen xanthomas around your eyes, white rings around your corneas or have a family history of cardiovascular disease, it is advisable to see a doctor as soon as possible.
