High cholesterol often has no obvious symptoms, but subtle changes to your fingernails and toenails could indicate the condition
Many people often overlook the significance of routinely examining their fingers and toes. A common misconception is that these body parts cannot signal a serious health issue that may be quietly progressing unnoticed.
With the upcoming holiday season, people might find themselves with some extra time on their hands. This break from the usual hustle and bustle provides an opportunity to pay closer attention to aspects of our health that we might typically miss.
One method of identifying early indications of high cholesterol involves being alert to minor changes in your nails. While it may seem an unlikely location for cholesterol-related issues to manifest, it’s one of the few early warning signs detectable before the condition deteriorates.
Healthy nails should appear smooth, pink, and free of ridges, bumps, or dents, making small changes over time difficult to spot. Occasionally, these symptoms are so subtle that they can develop and worsen over an extended period.
A crucial sign that there could be an issue with your nails is a shift in colour from a healthy pink to pale white, yellow, or blue. This is because our nail beds derive their skin-like colour from our blood flow, reports the Mirror.
A loss of colour could indicate reduced circulation due to cholesterol blockages. However, this change in colour might not be the only cause for concern.
Elevated cholesterol levels may cause your nails to develop at a slower rate. Reduced nail growth can stem from compromised blood flow, which in turn hampers the supply of essential nutrients required for proper nail development.
Raised cholesterol can result in nails that are either abnormally thickened or fragile and prone to snapping. On rare occasions, dark streaks called splinter haemorrhages might develop beneath fingernails or toenails.
Elevated cholesterol is often dubbed a ‘silent killer’ as it generally presents no early warning symptoms until considerable damage has taken place. Many individuals are oblivious to their raised cholesterol levels until they undergo blood testing.
According to the NHS, high cholesterol “does not usually cause symptoms”. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test.
“The condition often remains undiagnosed due to its lack of clear warning indicators, yet it can heighten your risk of developing various health issues. Raised cholesterol can impact anyone and may result from several causes – some uncontrollable factors like age and genetics, though it’s most frequently linked to poor dietary choices, tobacco use, and being overweight.
Individuals with a high cholesterol diagnosis need to implement various lifestyle modifications to restore their levels to a safe and normal range. Healthcare professionals usually pair these suggestions with prescription drugs (typically statins).
The NHS recommends that people with high cholesterol should cut down on foods rich in saturated fat. Nevertheless, you can still eat foods containing healthier unsaturated fats, including:
- oily fish, like mackerel and salmon
- olive oil, rapeseed oil and spreads made from these oils
- brown rice, wholegrain bread and wholewheat pasta
- nuts and seeds
- fruits and vegetables
Physical activity is another excellent tool in the battle against high cholesterol. The NHS suggests targeting at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of exercise weekly, such as walking, swimming or cycling. Discovering an activity that you enjoy will often make the lifestyle adjustment somewhat easier. You are more likely to maintain it if you find it pleasurable.
High cholesterol levels can significantly increase your risk of serious health complications, such as heart attacks and strokes. The condition has become widely recognised as a “silent killer” due to its lack of obvious symptoms until it’s too late.
If you have worries about your cholesterol levels, consult a doctor. They will be able to carry out the necessary tests and ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for your requirements.
