People wanting to know if their cholesterol is high have been warned of a silent symptom which can show on feet.
Our bodies require cholesterol to perform important jobs, but too much can lead to serious health complications such as heart attacks and strokes.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid that helps to create hormones and cell membranes.
However, having high cholesterol , known as hyperlipidemia, means the extra lipids start to build up in your arteries. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the lipids combine with other substances in the blood to form plaque, otherwise known as fatty deposits.
Over time these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries.
Sometimes, those deposits can break suddenly and form a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke , added the Mayo Clinic.
It is usually linked to an unhealthy diet, being overweight, not exercising enough, smoking and drinking alcohol. High cholesterol is often labelled a 'silent killer' because it doesn't manifest itself through symptoms. Patients can only find out after having a blood test.
Dr Sami Firoozi, consultant cardiologist at the Harley Street Clinic, told Huffington Post a sign of the condition can show in people’s toes.
Brittle or slow growing toenails are a sign of high cholesterol.
Three other signs are Tendon xanthomata which is the swelling of knuckles, knees and backs of ankles, Xanthelasmas which are small yellow lumps of cholesterol near the inner corner of your eye and Corneal arcus which is a pale ring might appear around your iris.
The British Heart Foundation reports that almost half of UK adults are living with cholesterol levels above national guidelines of total cholesterol (greater than 5mmol/L).
However, cardiologist Dr Elizabeth Klodas has revealed the top three foods to slash cholesterol levels - and they all contain fibre. The expert said: "As a cardiologist, I always tell patients that lowering their LDL [low-density lipoprotein] 'bad' cholesterol can help prevent cardiovascular disease.
"Many foods have soluble fibre, which binds cholesterol in the digestive system and drags them out of the body before they get into circulation.”
Firstly, Dr Klodas has hailed oats as essential to lowering cholesterol, she said: "I always stock my kitchen with oats, and typically have half a cup per day.
"Not only are they high in fibre, they contain plenty of antioxidants, including those that help improve blood vessel function and lower blood pressure ."
Another fibre-rich food you should consider adding to your shopping list is the chickpea, which offers a variety of health benefits.
