Those cold hands and feet you're experiencing this winter might be telling you something important about your health. They could be warning you about high cholesterol - a condition that usually gives no signs at all but can lead to heart attacks or strokes if left unchecked.
A recent TikTok video from @perfect_wellness has highlighted "four signs you might have high cholesterol without knowing it," and one of them is particularly easy to miss when temperatures drop.
The account points out that "numbness or cold extremities" can be a red flag, explaining that "reduced blood flow due to blocked arteries can make your hands and feet feel cold".
It's a symptom that's particularly tricky to spot during winter, when fingers and toes naturally feel chilly from the cold weather outside. But there's a serious reason behind this warning sign.
There may be a serious reason behind your cold extremities
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When cholesterol builds up in your arteries, it creates fatty deposits that narrow the blood vessels.
This means less blood can flow through to your extremities, leaving them feeling cold and numb. It's not just about comfort - this reduced circulation is your body's way of alerting you to a potentially dangerous problem.
The NHS warns that high cholesterol increases your risk of developing peripheral arterial disease, where these fatty buildups specifically target the arteries supplying blood to your leg muscles.
WebMD explains that PAD can block blood flow to your feet, too, with the restricted circulation making your limbs feel cold.
If you don't get treatment, it can develop into something called critical limb ischaemia - that's when blood flow to your legs becomes severely limited.
At this stage, the NHS says "the skin on your toes or lower limbs" can become "cold and numb". If you're noticing these symptoms, it's worth ringing your GP straight away or calling NHS 111.
The British Heart Foundation notes that people with familial hypercholesterolaemia - an inherited condition that causes high cholesterol - might show visible signs too.
These include lumps on your knuckles, knees or Achilles tendon, small yellow bumps near the inner corners of your eyes, or a pale white ring around the coloured part of your eye.
But here's the thing - high cholesterol usually doesn't give any warning signs on its own. That's why getting tested is so important. You'll need a medical professional to check your levels to know for certain.
If your cholesterol is high, they'll talk you through ways to bring it down. This might mean changing what you eat or taking medication. Don't wait for symptoms - book that test and find out where you stand.
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There may be a serious reason behind your cold extremities
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Ways to lower your cholesterol
When it comes to food choices, it's all about swapping out saturated fats for healthier unsaturated alternatives. The NHS advises reading food labels to help you spot which type you're getting.
Foods worth adding to your shopping list include oily fish such as mackerel and salmon, along with olive oil and rapeseed oil. Wholegrain options like brown rice and wholewheat pasta are fantastic choices too. Don't forget about nuts, seeds, and plenty of fresh fruit and veg.
It's best to limit foods high in saturated fat. These include fatty meats, sausages and meat pies, plus dairy products like butter, ghee, cream and hard cheeses such as cheddar. Cakes, biscuits and anything containing palm or coconut oil should also be enjoyed sparingly.
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