Cholesterol: 5 “warning signs” — and an important correction
The biggest thing to know is that high cholesterol usually has no symptoms at all. You generally cannot tell that your LDL cholesterol is high by how you feel; a blood test is needed.
In cases of very high cholesterol, particularly inherited conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia, certain physical signs can sometimes appear:
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Yellowish deposits around the eyelids (xanthelasma)
These are collections of fatty material under the skin. They can occur with high cholesterol but can also occur in people with normal cholesterol. -
Yellow or firm lumps on tendons or the skin (xanthomas)
Deposits can occur around the Achilles tendon, hands, elbows, knees, or other areas, particularly with inherited lipid disorders. -
A gray-white ring around the cornea (corneal arcus)
This is common with aging and doesn’t automatically indicate high cholesterol. When it occurs at a young age, however, cholesterol testing may be appropriate. -
Thickened or enlarged Achilles tendons
This can be an important clue to familial hypercholesterolemia, especially when combined with a family history of early cardiovascular disease. -
Chest pain or other symptoms of reduced blood flow
These are not symptoms of high cholesterol itself. They can occur when cholesterol-related plaque has contributed to coronary artery disease.
Why symptoms aren’t a good screening method
A person can have significantly elevated LDL cholesterol while feeling completely healthy. Over time, excess LDL can contribute to atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a strong family history of early heart disease, or known cardiovascular disease, discuss appropriate cholesterol testing and treatment with a healthcare professional.
Bottom line: There aren’t five reliable symptoms that tell you your cholesterol is “too high.” A lipid blood test is much more informative than looking for physical warning signs.
