High cholesterol is often dubbed the “silent killer” for a reason—it typically shows no symptoms until serious damage has already occurred. But according to health experts, there are subtle signs your body may be sending that shouldn’t be ignored. Recognizing these early indicators can help prevent life-threatening conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Here are five silent symptoms of high cholesterol that may go unnoticed:
👁️ 1. Yellowish Bumps Around the Eyes (Xanthelasma)
Small, flat, yellowish patches near the corners of the eyes may seem harmless or cosmetic, but they are often cholesterol deposits. Known as xanthelasma, these bumps are a visible sign of lipid imbalance and should prompt a cholesterol check.
🦵 2. Leg Pain While Walking (Claudication)
If you experience cramping or heaviness in your legs after walking short distances, it could be more than fatigue. This symptom is linked to PAD, where cholesterol buildup narrows arteries and restricts blood flow to the limbs.
🦶 3. Tingling or Numbness in Limbs
Reduced circulation due to clogged arteries can cause numbness or tingling in the arms or legs. While often mistaken for nerve issues, this could be an early sign of cholesterol-induced vascular damage.
👁️🗨️ 4. Gray or White Ring Around the Cornea (Arcus Senilis)
A grayish-white arc around the iris, especially in people under 40, may indicate excess lipid deposits in the eye. Though common with aging, its early appearance can signal dangerously high cholesterol levels.
🧠 5. Dizziness or Mini-Stroke Symptoms
Sudden dizziness, confusion, or slurred speech may point to a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—a mini-stroke caused by cholesterol-rich clots temporarily blocking blood flow to the brain. These are medical emergencies and a red flag for cardiovascular risk.
🩺 Why Early Screening Matters
Since high cholesterol rarely presents obvious symptoms, routine lipid profile tests are essential—especially for individuals with a family history, poor diet, or sedentary lifestyle.
