Cholesterol warning as 'one red flag' on your hands should 'ring alarm bells'

A health expert has highlighted a subtle sign that could suggest you have high cholesterol, and it's all to do with your hands. Cholesterol is vital for various bodily functions but can pose a risk when levels become too high.

It tends to quietly accumulate in the arteries, potentially causing blockages and leading to arteriosclerosis, which hinders blood flow. Despite around 40% of Brits having high cholesterol, its often symptomless nature means many are oblivious to their condition.

Most people only realise they have an issue after experiencing significant health events like heart attacks or strokes. However, Monika Wassermann, Olio Lusso's medical director, has drawn attention to a sign that might go unnoticed: the nails.

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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. 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 the Mirror.

Wassermann has identified a particular symptom to be wary of, noting: "One red flag could appear on your nails." She emphasised the issue of having pale nails, explaining: "If you didn't know, high cholesterol causes plaque formation in your blood vessels. The plaque then affects blood circulation, resulting in pale nails."

The NHS also lists not just pale nails but "brittle, slow-growing toenails" as a possible indicator of high cholesterol, which can lead to peripheral arterial disease (PAD). This ailment is caused by cholesterol accumulating in the arteries and obstructing blood flow, especially to the legs.

PAD often develops gradually, and it's vital to get medical advice as soon as symptoms are noticed. Ms Wassermann further warns of other signs such as an increased chance of heart attack, stroke, and numbness, advising: "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."

To lower cholesterol levels, the NHS suggests several strategies and recommends seeing a GP if there are concerns about cholesterol.