Excessive consumption of fatty foods and alcohol during the New Year holidays can trigger a sharp jump in cholesterol, which doctors call the “silent killer.” Doctors urge you to pay attention to a non-obvious symptom in your arms and legs, which may signal danger before it is too late.
Abuse during the holidays threatens a jump in cholesterol
New Year is a period when we forget about health, overindulge in goodies and move little. It is at this time that the risk of cardiovascular problems increases significantly. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) has issued a warning to check your nails to help catch a high cholesterol problem early.
Why you should look at your nails
High cholesterol is called the “silent killer” because it destroys blood vessels for years without pain or obvious symptoms until a stroke or heart attack occurs.
However, there is a way to notice the problem earlier. Changes in circulation caused by clogged arteries often affect the limbs.
Doctors called them “alarm bells.” If your fingernails or toenails have changed from their usual pink color to yellow, blue or pale white, this is an indication that the blood is not reaching your fingers in sufficient quantities due to cholesterol plaques.
Christmas table factor
Why are they talking about this now? The traditional holiday menu often consists of fatty meat, mayonnaise salads, pastries and alcohol. Add to this the “sofa” mode of the weekend, and you get the perfect storm for the vessels.
“If you're not careful, the Christmas tradition of unhealthy eating and lack of exercise can lead to problems,” the article says.
What to do
If you notice a change in the color of your nails, this is not a reason to panic, but to make an appointment with your family doctor. The only reliable way to confirm the diagnosis is to take a blood test.
Doctors remind: You can lower your cholesterol levels by changing your diet and adding more exercise to your daily life. So maybe after Christmas dinner you shouldn't lie down in front of the TV and go for a long walk.
