Common sign of high cholesterol can be found in your legs — what to look out for

High cholesterol typically shows no symptoms, yet telltale signs can occasionally emerge. One potential warning sign is cholesterol deposits on the Achilles tendon – but what do they actually look like?

Cholesterol, a waxy substance found in your blood, is essential for producing healthy cells. “Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease,” explained the Mayo Clinic.

This heightened risk comes from low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which sticks to the inner walls of arteries, increasing the chances of blockages that can trigger heart attacks and strokes.

This dangerous build-up process, known as atherosclerosis – where arteries become clogged with cholesterol deposits – commonly develops without any warning signs, making it particularly difficult to detect

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However, evidence of high cholesterol can appear in unexpected places, including the Achilles tendons, reports Surrey Live.

Tendon xanthomas, which are cholesterol deposits within tendons, manifest as slowly growing papules or nodules beneath the skin, frequently occurring on tendons.

“Achilles tendons are the most common sites of tendon xanthomas,” according to a study published in Lipids in Health and Disease.

The researchers behind the study noted: “Achilles tendon thickening is the early characteristic of Achilles tendon xanthomas”.

The study sought to examine the relationship between Achilles tendon thickness and LDL cholesterol levels, while also exploring the link between Achilles tendon thickness and those suffering from hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a hereditary condition distinguished by abnormally elevated cholesterol levels in the bloodstream.

A research study conducted between March 2014 and March 2015 involved 205 participants ranging in age from 18 to 75 years.

The participants were split into three groups: normal cholesterol levels, borderline LDL (high cholesterol), and hypercholesterolemia.

Achilles tendon thickness (ATT) was assessed using a standardised digital radiography technique, with results compared across all three groups.

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ATT in the borderline LDL cholesterol group was notably greater than in the normal group. Furthermore, ATT in the hypercholesterolemia group was substantially higher than both the normal group and the borderline LDL cholesterol group.

This suggests that the accumulation of cholesterol deposits in the Achilles tendon was directly linked to elevated cholesterol levels within the body.

“ATT might serve as a valuable auxiliary diagnostic index for hypercholesterolemia and be used for the assessment and management of cardiovascular disease,” concluded the researchers.

In most cases, a blood test is needed to detect high cholesterol because there are no noticeable symptoms.

“Your GP might suggest having a test if they think your cholesterol level could be high,” advised the NHS. “This may be because of your age, weight or another condition you have (like high blood pressure or diabetes).”

If you’re over 40, carrying excess weight, or have a family history of high cholesterol or heart problems and haven’t previously been screened, it’s sensible to book a cholesterol check with your GP surgery.

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Once high cholesterol has been identified, patients are encouraged to make lifestyle changes to bring their levels down.

Heart UK recommends: “Vegetables, pulses (such as peas, beans and lentils), fruits, nuts, seeds and whole grains are full of nutrients and good for your cholesterol and your heart.”