High cholesterol can be fatal and lead to unexpected death. Often, arteries become blocked with cholesterol and other deposits, reducing blood flow to the heart, leading to sudden heart failure. Living a sedentary lifestyle can lead to high blood cholesterol levels; Consuming too many fatty foods, not exercising, drinking alcohol, or smoking. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure also increase the risk of death from high cholesterol.
Although high cholesterol usually doesn’t cause any symptoms, a quick blood test can be used to check levels. However, discreet signs of cholesterol can also be seen on the skin.
Here’s what to look for:
- A mesh-like pattern on the skin that is blue or purple on the skin: When it’s cold outside, it’s visible. This could mean that your arteries are blocked, which is a sign of cholesterol embolization syndrome.
- Psoriasis: According to recent studies, excessive cholesterol levels and psoriasis are related. In medical terms, it is known as hyperlipidemia.
- Blisters on the feet or legs that do not heal quickly: These ulcers can recur in individuals with high cholesterol. This happens because wounds do not receive enough blood to heal.
- Changes in skin color and excessive dryness: This happens because high cholesterol levels can reduce the blood flow under your skin. The color of the skin changes because the skin cells do not get enough nutrients. Legs that are raised or that have been standing for a long time may turn purple or develop a yellowish tint.
- Xanthelasma: That is, a waxy growth that is yellow or orange in color around the corner of the eye. Beneath the epidermis, there are cholesterol buildups that cause this.
- Xanthoma: Similar to Xanthelasma, although this growth can also be found on the palms and back of the lower thigh. These patches will be easier to eliminate if your cholesterol is under control.
