Long before it announces itself as a cardiac emergency, high cholesterol can completely reshape the body's internal environment.
But the condition rarely produces symptoms noticeable enough to catch attention, making the condition particularly dangerous.
Dr Kyle Hoedebecke, Clinical Advisor at Alpas Wellness in Virginia, told GB News: "High levels of cholesterol don't usually cause any early physical symptoms, which is why high cholesterol is often called a silent killer and requires regular screening."
Routine blood tests remain the most reliable method for detecting problematic cholesterol before it causes lasting damage.
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
This absence of obvious warning signs makes high cholesterol particularly dangerous
|GETTY
When cholesterol accumulates to dangerous levels, it can obstruct arteries and trigger life-threatening emergencies.
Dr Hoedebecke warned that symptoms typically emerge only once significant arterial damage or blockages have occurred, manifesting as cardiac events or strokes.
These medical crises present unmistakable signs at the moment they strike, with chest pain ranking among the most common indicators of a heart attack, alongside difficulty breathing.
Numbness may also signal that something is seriously amiss, potentially indicating a stroke in progress.
Dr Hoedebecke cautioned that genetics can play a significant role in cholesterol problems, with a hereditary form known as familial hypercholesterolemia affecting certain individuals.
He identified several warning signs that may point to this inherited condition, including "a personal or family history of very high cholesterol, heart attacks at a young age, such as before 55 for men or 65 for women".
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Physical manifestations can also indicate the presence of this genetic disorder.
Fat deposits may appear on the skin as yellowish patches, typically forming around the knees, elbows, or eyelids.
Visible markers like these should prompt individuals to seek medical evaluation and cholesterol testing without delay.
In addition, the eyes can also reveal telltale signs of cholesterol troubles.
Dr Hoedebecke noted that "the appearance of a corneal arcus, which is a white, grey, or blue arc or ring in the outer part of the iris of the eye", warrants medical attention.
Corneal arcus is a white, grey, or blue arc or ring in the outer part of the iris
|GETTY
Persistent tiredness and episodes of lightheadedness should not be dismissed either.
Such symptoms may stem from compromised blood flow resulting from narrowed arteries.
Dr Hoedebecke advised that "fatigue, dizziness, or any sudden changes in your health" merit professional evaluation, "since changes in health can be related to poor circulation caused by arteries becoming narrow".
Prompt medical consultation remains advisable when these indicators emerge.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter