High cholesterol is a growing concern worldwide. It is a lipid disorder that is characterized by excess fat in the blood stream. High cholesterol can lead to a number of health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on your cholesterol levels and look out for any red flags.

What is High Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced by the liver and is also present in some foods. Cholesterol is essential for the normal functioning of the body, but too much of it can lead to health problems.

There are two types of cholesterol:.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Also known as “bad” cholesterol.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Also known as “good” cholesterol.

High cholesterol is generally defined as a total cholesterol level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher.

Red Flags of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol may not have any symptoms, and many people may not even know they have it. However, there are some red flags of high cholesterol that you should be aware of:.

1. Xanthomas

Xanthomas are yellowish bumps that develop on the skin due to excess fat deposits. They can appear anywhere on the body but are commonly found on the feet and hands. Xanthomas are a sign of high cholesterol levels and should not be ignored.

2. Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma is a yellowish deposit of fat under the skin around the eyelids. This is similar to Xanthomas and is a sign of high cholesterol levels.

3. Achilles Tendon Xanthomas

Achilles tendon xanthomas are yellowish bumps that appear on the Achilles tendon. These are also a sign of high cholesterol levels and should not be ignored.

Other Symptoms of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol can also lead to other health problems such as:.

Chest pain (angina)
Heart attack
Stroke
Peripheral arterial disease

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to speak to your doctor immediately.

Preventing High Cholesterol

High cholesterol can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes:.

Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Not smoking
Maintaining a healthy weight
Limiting alcohol consumption

If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend medications such as statins and fibrates to help lower your cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

High cholesterol is a growing concern worldwide. It is important to keep an eye on your cholesterol levels and look out for red flags such as Xanthomas, Xanthelasma, and Achilles tendon xanthomas.

If you experience any symptoms of high cholesterol, speak to your doctor immediately. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent high cholesterol and its associated health problems.