High cholesterol is when you have too much of a fatty substance called cholesterol in your blood. As Mayo Clinic explains, your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. Unfortunately, a blood test is required to detect high cholesterol because it doesn't usually produce any symptoms.
In rare circumstances, high cholesterol can produce some sinister warning signs.
As Harvard Health explains, about one out of every 500 people has an inherited disorder called familial hypercholesterolemia, which can cause extremely high cholesterol levels (above 300 milligrams per decilitre).
People with this disorder can develop nodules filled with cholesterol (xanthomas) over various tendons, especially the Achilles tendons of the lower leg.
A nodule is a growth of abnormal tissue that can develop just below the skin.
Insurance Loans Mortgage Attorney Credit LawyerREAD MORE: High cholesterol: Pain in hands or feet could be an indication your levels are too high
High cholesterol symptoms: Nodules filled with cholesterol on your Achilles tendons are a sign (Image: Getty Images)
Cholesterol deposits also can occur on the eyelids, where they are called xanthelasmas.
However, high cholesterol usually accumulates undetected, so it is vital that you take proactive measures to prevent it.
How to keep high cholesterol at bayThe most important preventative measure is to shun foods high in unsaturated fat.
Foods high in saturated fats raise LDL cholesterol - the harmful type of cholesterol that sticks to the inside of your artery walls.
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