Health experts are urging the public to perform a simple check of their hands and feet this festive season, warning that subtle changes in fingernails and toenails could reveal a dangerous 'silent killer'.
With many people taking time off over Christmas and the New Year, there is a prime opportunity to notice bodily changes that might be missed during a typically busy week. Medical professionals highlight that high cholesterol, a condition affecting millions in the UK, often presents no obvious symptoms until serious damage is done.
The Nail Warning Signs You Must Not Ignore
One of the few early indicators of elevated cholesterol levels can be found in the nails. Healthy nails should appear smooth, pink, and free of ridges or dents. However, high cholesterol can disrupt blood flow, leading to visible changes.
A key red flag is a shift in colour from a healthy pink to a pale white, yellow, or even a bluish hue. This occurs because nail beds get their colour from blood flow, and reduced circulation due to cholesterol blockages can cause this loss of colour.
Other warning signs include nails that grow more slowly than usual, a result of poor circulation affecting nutrient delivery. Cholesterol can also cause nails to become unusually thick or brittle and prone to breaking. In rarer cases, dark lines known as splinter haemorrhages may appear underneath the nail.
Why High Cholesterol is a 'Silent Killer'
The NHS explicitly states that high cholesterol 'does not usually cause symptoms' and can only be confirmed through a blood test. This lack of clear warning signs is why it has earned the ominous nickname of a 'silent killer'.
Many people remain completely unaware they have the condition until they suffer a serious health event like a heart attack or stroke. It can affect anyone, with risk factors including age, family history, unhealthy diet, smoking, and being overweight.
Fighting Back: NHS Advice on Managing Cholesterol
If diagnosed, the NHS recommends crucial lifestyle changes, often alongside prescribed medication like statins. Dietary advice focuses on reducing saturated fat intake and incorporating healthier foods.
The NHS recommends consuming more of the following:
- Oily fish, such as mackerel and salmon.
- Olive oil, rapeseed oil, and spreads made from them.
- Brown rice, wholegrain bread, and wholewheat pasta.
- Nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
Regular exercise is another vital weapon. The health service suggests aiming for at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of moderate activity per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Choosing an activity you enjoy makes sticking to this new habit far easier.
If you have any concerns about your cholesterol levels or notice potential warning signs in your nails, it is essential to speak to a GP. They can arrange a simple blood test and recommend the best course of action for your individual needs.
