High cholesterol: 4 warning signs of fat buildup in artery walls

As opposed to popular belief, cholesterol is not a bad or a harmful substance. In fact, your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells. But if your body has high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), also known as 'bad' cholesterol, it can increase your risk of heart disease. The fatty deposits can build up in and on the walls of the arteries, which can in turn jam the arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow. Sometimes, these deposits can suddenly break and form a clot, increasing a person's risk of a heart attack or a stroke.

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Peripheral artery disease is a condition associated with narrowed arteries due to plaque build-up. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the lower part of the body including the legs and the feet.

A person suffering from PAD does not get enough blood in the legs or arms (usually legs), causing leg pain when walking. This is also known as 'claudication'.

If not treated on time, the condition can cause serious complications such as critical limb ischemia and acute limb ischemia, which are an advanced form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affecting blood flow in the extremities.

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As discussed, PAD limits blood flow to the legs. This is why one may experience changes in the colour of the legs and feet.

If left untreated, your legs can start turning pale or blue and you may experience a painful ache in your leg, especially when you're walking. This pain may subside with a few minutes of resting.

According to the Mayo Clinic, coldness, numbness and weakness in the lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other side, can also be a tell-tale sign of high cholesterol.

Too much cholesterol in the bloodstream can cause fatty deposits to build up in the skin as well. This can cause rash-like lesions which can be characterized by orangish or yellowish bumps filled with fat. These skin problems and growths can appear in many areas, including the corners of your eyes, lines on your palms, or the backs of your lower legs, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Fat, cholesterol, and other chemicals accumulate in the artery walls, causing atherosclerosis, often known as "hardening of the arteries." Plaques are what we name these deposits. These plaques can constrict or even block the arteries over time, leading to issues throughout the body.

Excess plaque deposits can narrow down the arteries, limiting blood flow to various parts of the body, including the nails. As a result, your nails can develop dark lines, which are sometimes referred to as splinter haemorrhages. Medline Plus refers to it as thin, red to reddish-brown lines under your nails.

Xanthelasma, or xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is a benign yellow growth that appears on or by the corners of the eyelids, next to the nose. According to the Cleveland Clinic, cholesterol deposits build up under your skin to form a xanthelasma. However, as per the health body, other conditions including diabetes, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and thyroid problems can also cause xanthelasmas.

High cholesterol can cause fatty deposit build up in the arteries which can increase your risk of coronary heart disease. This can can lead to death from a heart attack. Furthermore, it can narrow down the arteries that lead to your brain, raising the risk of stroke.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), your lifestyle choices can increase your risk for high cholesterol. Leading a sedentary lifestyle and eating foods high in saturated fat and trans fat can contribute to your risk of high cholesterol and other heart problems. With age, your risk is likely to increase, which is why paying attention to your day to day habits is crucial.

As much as it is important to note the signs and symptoms of high cholesterol, it is as important to be sure about the condition. Sometimes, high cholesterol may not produce any symptoms in the body, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. That said, you must get a blood test to ensure the same. It is the only way to detect it if you have it.

High cholesterol is dubbed as a silent killer. The warning signs are so subtle that people often miss them. Also, the signs overlaps several other mild diseases which is another reason why high cholesterol remains undetected for a longer time.

Hence, it is advisable to check the cholesterol level on a regular basis and take medications, if necessary, without any hesitation.

Remember healthy lifestyle and physical activity will keep high cholesterol at bay.

Foods high in saturated fat can increase cholesterol levels in the body. This can be dangerous for the heart and can out you at risk for heart problems including heart attack and stroke. Certain foods that you must avoid include red meat, full-fat dairy, baked goods, fried and processed foods and butter.