High cholesterol is a serious health problem that can lead to heart disease, stroke and other complications. However, most people do not experience symptoms, so it is important to have regular checks to check your cholesterol levels.
Some signs on the skin may indicate that cholesterol is high. These include:
Xanthelasma: yellowish lesions on the inner corners of the eyelids.
Xanthomas: small pockets of fatty material that may appear on the knees, elbows, buttocks, hand tendons or Achilles tendon.
Cholesterol Ring: a white or yellowish ring around the cornea.
Bumps or Lumps: around the knees, knuckles or elbows.
These signs are caused by the accumulation of cholesterol in skin cells. They are most common in people with high cholesterol, but they can also occur in people with other medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to see a doctor for blood tests to confirm whether your cholesterol is high. If this is the case, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or medications to control your cholesterol levels.
How to control high cholesterol
There are several ways to manage high cholesterol, including:
Eat a healthy diet: This means eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Avoid foods high in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol.
Exercise regularly: Exercise helps lower LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol.
Lose weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower your cholesterol.
Don’t smoke: Smoking can increase LDL cholesterol levels.
If you have high cholesterol, it’s important to follow these recommendations to reduce your risk of heart disease and other health problems.