A white or gray ring around the colored part of the eye is called corneal arcus. It can happen naturally with aging, especially after 60. But if it appears in a younger person, it may be a reason to check cholesterol. NHS Wales notes that corneal arcus can occur naturally in older adults, but it can also be a reason to have cholesterol measured.
This sign does not confirm high cholesterol by itself, but it is worth discussing with a doctor or eye specialist.
4. Chest Pain or Pressure
If cholesterol-related plaque builds up in the arteries that supply the heart, blood flow can become limited. This can lead to chest pain or pressure, also called angina. Mayo Clinic explains that atherosclerosis in heart arteries may cause chest pain or pressure.
Chest discomfort may feel like heaviness, squeezing, burning, tightness, or pressure. It may happen during activity, stress, or after a heavy meal, and sometimes improves with rest.
Chest pain should always be taken seriously, especially if it is new, severe, or comes with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck, back, or shoulder.
5. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can happen for many reasons, but when it appears with chest discomfort, fatigue, dizziness, or pain spreading to other areas, it may be a warning sign of a heart problem. The American Heart Association lists shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort, as a heart attack warning sign.
If you suddenly become breathless while doing simple activities that were easy before, do not ignore it. It may be a sign that the heart is not getting enough oxygen-rich blood.
6. Pain in the Arm, Neck, Jaw, Back, or Shoulder
Heart-related discomfort does not always stay in the chest. It can spread to the arm, neck, jaw, back, shoulder, or upper stomach area. The CDC lists pain in the jaw, neck, back, arm, or shoulder as possible heart attack symptoms.
This is why some people mistake heart symptoms for muscle pain, dental pain, indigestion, or stress. If pain appears suddenly, feels unusual, or comes with chest pressure or shortness of breath, seek medical help quickly.
7. Leg Pain When Walking
High cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries outside the heart too. If plaque affects the arteries in the legs, it may lead to peripheral artery disease, or PAD. Mayo Clinic explains that atherosclerosis in the arms or legs may cause leg pain while walking, called claudication.
This pain may feel like cramping, heaviness, or aching in the calf, thigh, or hip. It may improve when you stop walking and return when you start moving again.
Leg pain with walking should be checked, especially if you smoke, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
8. Sudden Numbness, Weakness, Trouble Speaking, or Vision Changes
If plaque affects arteries leading to the brain, it may increase the risk of a transient ischemic attack, also called TIA, or stroke. Mayo Clinic lists sudden numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, trouble speaking, slurred speech, sudden or temporary vision loss, and face drooping as symptoms linked to arteries leading to the brain.
These symptoms are urgent. Even if they disappear after a few minutes, they still need emergency medical attention.
