Easy to miss warning sign of high cholesterol can be spotted in cold weather

Elevated cholesterol can heighten the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke, so it's important to be aware of whether your levels are healthy. However, high cholesterol typically causes no symptoms - and without treatment, it can lead to deadly outcomes.

This is why it's crucial to recognise any indicators your body might be displaying that point to elevated cholesterol levels. While having symptoms indicative of high cholesterol doesn't always mean you have it, it's important to book an appointment with your GP if you notice them to find out the root cause. The @perfect_wellness TikTok account has recently highlighted "four signs you might have high cholesterol without knowing it," with one being a symptom that's frequently overlooked during winter months when temperatures drop.

The symptom is "numbness or cold extremities."

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They clarified: "Reduced blood flow due to blocked arteries can make your hands and feet feel cold."

This warning sign is easily dismissed during chilly weather, as your extremities might naturally feel cold as a result of the outside conditions.

The NHS states that elevated cholesterol can increase your chances of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which occurs when fatty deposit accumulation in arteries limits blood supply to leg muscles.

WebMD notes that PAD can also obstruct blood circulation to your feet, with the compromised flow causing limbs to feel chilly.

When left without treatment, it may lead to critical limb ischaemia (CLI), occurring when "blood flow to the legs becomes severely restricted".

This may result in "the skin on your toes or lower limbs" becoming "cold and numb".

Should you spot these warning signs, it's worth calling your GP immediately or contacting NHS 111.

The British Heart Foundation also states that those with familial hypercholesterolaemia, a hereditary condition triggering elevated cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, might display visible signs.

These include swellings in the knuckles of your hands, knees or Achilles tendon; small, yellow lumps near the inner corner of your eye; or a pale white ring around the coloured part of your eye.

Since high cholesterol typically doesn't produce any warning signs by itself, you will need to have your levels tested to be certain.

This can be carried out by a medical professional.

Should you be found to have raised cholesterol, they'll discuss ways to reduce it, which could include adjusting your eating habits or taking medication.