Mark, 57, loved evening walks until leg cramps made them unbearable. High cholesterol can narrow arteries in the legs, causing peripheral artery disease (PAD). This leads to cramping, numbness, or a cold sensation in one foot compared to the other. If walking feels painful or your legs tingle, your body might be crying for help. But wait—the next sign shows up on your skin.
🟡 Yellowish Skin Patches (Xanthomas)
One day, Clara, 50, noticed waxy, yellowish bumps near her eyes. These patches, called xanthomas, are cholesterol deposits under the skin, often appearing around eyelids, elbows, or joints. While harmless, they’re a visible clue of high cholesterol levels. Clara’s doctor confirmed her levels were elevated, prompting action. The next sign involves your eyes directly.
👁️ Vision Changes or Eye Abnormalities
Your eyes can reveal cholesterol’s impact. A white or gray ring around the iris, known as arcus senilis, or small yellowish spots on the eyelids might signal high cholesterol. In severe cases, blocked arteries can cause sudden blurry vision. Lisa, 52, noticed a faint ring in her eyes and got tested, catching her cholesterol issues early. The next warning could leave you dizzy.
🌀 Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Feeling unsteady or faint? John experienced dizzy spells that made him pause. When cholesterol narrows arteries, less oxygen-rich blood reaches the brain, causing lightheadedness or balance issues. These episodes might seem fleeting, but they’re worth investigating. The next sign connects to another silent threat.
🩺 High Blood Pressure
High cholesterol and high blood pressure often go hand in hand. Plaque makes arteries stiff and narrow, forcing your heart to work harder and raising blood pressure. For Emma, frequent headaches hinted at this issue, leading to a cholesterol check. This connection is crucial, but the next sign is a life-or-death warning.
🧠 Stroke or Mini-Stroke Symptoms
