Red flag high cholesterol symptom on your hands should 'ring alarm bells'

High cholesterol is a common health issue that affects around two in five UK residents. An expert has highlighted a subtle sign that could be spotted on your hands

A health professional has issued a warning about a discreet clue that could indicate elevated cholesterol levels, potentially visible on your hands. Cholesterol is crucial for different bodily functions but can become dangerous when concentrations are too high.

It tends to stealthily build up in the arteries, potentially causing obstructions and leading to arteriosclerosis, hampering blood flow. Even though around two-fifths of people in the UK have high cholesterol, its often asymptomatic presence means many are unaware they are affected. Most people only recognise their condition after suffering significant health crises such as heart attacks or strokes. Nonetheless, Monika Wassermann, Olio Lusso's medical director, has put the spotlight on a sign that could escape detection: the nails.

Speaking with Express.co.uk, she said, "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 went on to say: "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.", reports Surrey Live.

Wassermann pinpointed a specific symptom to be cautious of: "One red flag could appear on your nails." She particularly called attention to the concern of having pale nails. She detailed: "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, pale nails are not the only nail-related symptom of high cholesterol. It is also recognised that "brittle, slow-growing toenails" could indicate elevated cholesterol levels, which can lead to peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This condition, stemming from cholesterol clogging up one's arteries, impedes blood flow primarily to the legs. PAD symptoms generally emerge slowly, and it's crucial to seek prompt medical advice upon noticing them.

Ms Wassermann has highlighted additional warning signs such as an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and numbness. She urges: "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 recommends various measures to reduce cholesterol:

• Avoiding saturated fats
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and healthy fats
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing your alcohol intake

Make sure to consult a GP if worries about cholesterol levels arise.