Symptoms of High Cholesterol: 7 Nail Signs Which Could Raise Your Alarm
etected until it leads to major conditions such as heart disease or strokes. Even to date, the only accurate way to test for it remains the blood test, although there are also indicators observable by the physical body that present themselves early on. Notably, the condition of the nails is reflective of the state of the body’s internal health. Changes in the appearance of the nails could provide signs of high cholesterol.
1. Pale or White Nails rowIndex
One such initial indication is if a person’s nails appear excessively light or white. This occurs when an excessive amount of cholesterol hinders normal blood flow. This results in reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the area around the nail. This condition has been linked to cardiovascular problems related to excessive amounts of cholesterol.
2. Yellowish Dis
In addition to nail fungal infections, it is associated with lipids or fatty tissue buildup. High cholesterol levels in the body are a cause of xanthomas, a fatty body tissue manifesting under the skin, which affects nail color to look yellow or dull.
3. Brittle or Cracked Nails
If your nails break or crack more than they should, even with proper care, it can be an indication that there are not enough nutrients reaching it due to restricted blood flow. A high level of cholesterol can lead the blood vessels to constrict, thereby making it difficult for the necessary vitamins and minerals to reach the nails.
4. Slow Nail Growth
Nails, too, have a normal growth rate, but poor circulation can inhibit this growth. The accumulation of cholesterol can crowd the arteries, thus inhibiting the blood flow to the tip of the fingers or the toes. A visible retardation in nail growth may be the early indicator.
5. Vertical Ridges on Nails
Vertical ridges can be expected with aging. However, prominent ridges or the onset of them can also mean problems with blood flow or nutritional deficiencies. High cholesterol can cause irregular blood flow, leading to growth ridges from the cuticle to the tip of the nail.
6. Bluish or Purple Nail Beds
If your nails appear to have a blue or purple tint to them, that’s a sign that your blood might lack sufficient amounts of oxygen. A high cholesterol count might just cause your arteries to become narrowed and/or clogged due to which your fingers and toes might fail to obtain adequate amounts of oxygen-filled blood.
7. Clubbing or Thickened Nails
Nail clubbing, where the finger appears puffy, with the fingernails curving down, can result from a deficiency of oxygen in the body. Though it is more commonly connected with lung or heart disease, it can also result indirectly if the body’s high level of cholesterol affects the heart’s functioning.
Why Nail Changes Matter
Nails grow slowly and reflect gradual changes in health status and conditions such as https://www.msn.com/en-in/health/other/high-cholesterol-symptoms-7-warning-signs-that-may-show-up-in-your-nails/ss-AA1KYqlT?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhover&cvid=a9a35a628b834569e25ae2c73b161530&ei=6 high cholesterol levels. This makes nails useful as health indicators and suggests that nail observation can act as a health indicator for high cholesterol levels.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience changes in your nails and accompanying chest discomfort, weakness, shortness of breath, and leg cramps, do not wait; contact a healthcare professional. A simple blood test will accurately measure a lipid profile to determine your cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
Sometimes high cholesterol can linger in the background, but there can also be tips in the https://buzzook.com/newlywed-bengaluru-couple-dies-by-suicide-2-days/ fingernails that can indicate problems with the heart. One can watch out for fingernails with a change in color, an increased hardness, a slower growth rate, or ridges. It’s essential to pay heed to such symptoms as well as follow a healthy heart lifestyle.
