Sadly, these indicators are often so minor that they can be overlooked or dismissed as trivial. Many people are unaware of what to look for or where to begin.
High cholesterol is one such condition that merits attention, commonly referred to as a ‘silent killer’.
This is mainly because it usually doesn’t manifest any symptoms but can rapidly lead to severe health complications if not managed.
The Mayo Clinic explains that high cholesterol is a fatty substance that can clog your arteries, often resulting from poor diet or unhealthy habits such as obesity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Renowned UK TV doctor, Dr. Hilary Jones, has recently offered crucial heart health advice, emphasizing the danger of ‘clogging up’ your heart with excess cholesterol.
This is important because high cholesterol can be deadly, heightening the risk of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
However, it is preventable by adopting healthier lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and maintaining a diet low in salt.
Engaging in stress-reducing activities or enhancing exercise routines could also help combat high cholesterol.
Although generally asymptomatic, there is a method to check for potential signs of high cholesterol by examining the lips closely.
Look for small, peculiar bumps around your mouth, known as Fordyce spots.
These spots manifest in areas without hair follicles, like around the lips or cheeks.
These painless lumps can indicate high cholesterol, although many people disregard this warning sign.
Some studies suggest a correlation between a higher number of Fordyce spots and elevated cholesterol levels due to increased blood lipids, though more research is needed to establish this link.
Interestingly, Fordyce spots can disappear without requiring any treatment.
The spots tend to be more visible in men and individuals with oily skin.
Avoid picking or squeezing the lumps, as this could exacerbate the situation and lead to infection.
The definitive method to determine if your cholesterol levels are high is through a blood test conducted by a healthcare provider.
Your healthcare professional can help you devise a strategy to lower your cholesterol, which may include medications like statins that decrease the amount of cholesterol produced by your body.
Other indicators of high cholesterol may include experiencing ‘heavy’ sensations in the legs, thighs, or calves during walking.