Are your hands constantly cold? It turns out that this is a sign of illness.
However, a study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that only a few people with high cholesterol reported cold sensitivity, suggesting that the link isn't consistent across individuals. Symptoms can vary from person to person. How does high cholesterol affect blood circulation and cause cold hands? Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood. While it plays a vital role in the formation of healthy cells and hormones, too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly known as "bad cholesterol," can be dangerous. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup on artery walls, or atherosclerosis. As these plaques grow, they narrow the arteries and restrict blood flow. This is especially concerning for smaller arteries leading to the extremities, such as the hands and feet. Poor circulation from narrowed arteries can cause hands to feel unusually cold, even in moderate temperatures.
Persistently cold hands can be a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition caused by the same cholesterol-related plaque buildup. PAD primarily affects blood vessels outside the heart in the extremities. While it most commonly affects the legs, the arms and hands can also suffer from poor circulation.
People with peripheral artery disease (PAD) may notice that their hands are colder than usual, turn pale or blue, or experience tingling and numbness. Over time, if left untreated, this restricted blood flow can damage tissues and increase the risk of more serious cardiovascular problems, such as stroke or heart attack. Many people experience cold hands from time to time, especially in cold climates. However, if your hands feel cold more often indoors or even in mild weather, it may indicate poor circulation. When arteries become partially blocked by cholesterol deposits, blood can no longer effectively reach the hands, lowering skin temperature. Ignoring this symptom can delay early diagnosis of cholesterol-related vascular problems. Cold hands may be the body's way of alerting you to a more serious underlying problem.
Cold hands aren't the only warning sign. High cholesterol often progresses without obvious symptoms, but several subtle indicators can signal a problem. These include: Tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes due to decreased oxygen supply. Yellowish deposits on the skin, especially around the eyes or joints. Slow-healing wounds, especially on the hands or feet, may be caused by poor circulation. White or gray rings around the cornea, especially in younger individuals.
Unexplained fatigue or shortness of breath after minimal exertion, which can occur if the heart is struggling to pump blood efficiently. While these symptoms are not specific to high cholesterol, a cholesterol test and medical evaluation should be considered, especially if they occur together. This article is written for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. ntv.com.tr is not responsible for any self-diagnosis based on the content of this article. If you have any concerns about your health, consult your doctor.
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