High cholesterol sign on your hands could show risk of heart attack or stroke

An expert has revealed an unusual warning sign of high cholesterol in the hands that should trigger “alarm bells”. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the blood and in all cells of the body.

A certain amount is needed by the body to function properly, but having too much can put you at risk of a number of serious medical issues. This is because the cholesterol can build up in the blood vessels, leading to blockages and even causing artery walls to harden, preventing the flow of blood around the body.

While it is thought around two in five people in the UK have high cholesterol, some may not realise as it is typically symptomless. Most people won’t know they have the condition unless their blood is tested or they suffer from one of the associated health risks, such as a heart attack or stroke.

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But one way to spot high cholesterol is by looking at your nails, according to Monika Wassermann, medical director at . Speaking to . She explained: “Our bodies should ring alarm bells when under attack. Well, I beg to differ [as] this is not always the case with high cholesterol.

“High cholesterol attacks in silence, making it difficult to notice its symptoms. However, this does not mean you can completely fail to identify high cholesterol levels in your body.

“One red flag could appear on your nails.” She urged people to look out for pale-coloured nails.

She continued: “If you didn't know, high cholesterol causes plaque formation in your blood vessels. The plaque then affects blood circulation, resulting in pale nails.”

According to the , this isn’t the only sign that can appear in your nails. The health service states that “brittle, slow-growing toenails” could be also pointing to high cholesterol levels.

Brittle toenails are one of the warning signs associated with a condition called peripheral arterial disease (PAD), the health body says. This condition is triggered by a build-up of cholesterol in your arteries, leading to a restricted blood supply to your legs.

However, the health service notes that symptoms of PAD often take a long time to develop. Once you do identify the symptoms, it’s important to get medical help as soon as possible.

Aside from the red flags in your nails, Ms Wassermann shared other signs that might occur. She added: “Other issues caused by plaque formation include heart attack, stroke, and numbness.

“If by any chance you spot pale nails or other aforementioned symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as you can. Your healthcare provider will perform a blood test to help you find out whether or not it is high cholesterol affecting you.”

To lower your cholesterol levels the NHS recommends:

• Avoiding saturated fats
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, seeds and healthy fats
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing your alcohol intake

If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, you should speak to your GP.