An expert has issued a warning about a discreet indicator of high cholesterol that can be identified by looking at your hands. While cholesterol is vital for various bodily functions, excessively high levels can lead to severe health issues.
It can quietly build up in blood vessels, causing blockages and potentially resulting in hardened arteries that impede blood flow. Despite affecting approximately two in five individuals in the UK, many people are unaware they have high cholesterol due to its typically asymptomatic nature.
Often, people only become aware after experiencing severe health events like heart attacks or strokes. However, Monika Wassermann, medical director at Olio Lusso, has highlighted a potential indicator that may be visible: your nails.
Speaking with Express.co.uk, she noted: “Our bodies should ring alarm bells when under attack. Well, I beg to differ [as] this is not always the case with high cholesterol.”
She continued: “High cholesterol attacks in silence, making it difficult to notice its symptoms. However, this does not mean you can completely fail to identify high cholesterol levels in your body.” Wassermann flagged one particular warning sign to watch for: “One red flag could appear on your nails.”
Specifically, she advised people to be vigilant about pale-coloured nails. Discussing the lesser-known indicators of high cholesterol, she explained: “If you didn’t know, high cholesterol causes plaque formation in your blood vessels. The plaque then affects blood circulation, resulting in pale nails.”
According to the NHS, such symptoms are not solely apparent through one’s nail colour. They also highlight that “brittle, slow-growing toenails” can be indicative of raised cholesterol levels, often linked with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) which comes on due to plaque build-up inside the arteries leading to poor blood flow to one’s extremities.
Symptoms of PAD generally emerge over time, and recognising them should prompt immediate medical consultation. Ms Wassermann drew attention to other concerning signs, including an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and experiencing numbness. She stressed: “If by any chance you spot pale nails or other aforementioned symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as you can. Your healthcare provider will perform a blood test to help you find out whether or not it is high cholesterol affecting you.”
The NHS suggests various methods for cholesterol management:
- Avoiding foods high in saturated fats
- Embracing a varied diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and beneficial oils
- Engaging in consistent exercise
- Giving up smoking
- Cutting down on alcohol consumption
Any concerns regarding cholesterol should be directed to your GP for advice.