3 Ways Your Fingernails Might Show Signs of High Cholesterol
Did you know your fingernails can tell you a lot about your health? It might sound surprising, but changes in your nails could be a sign of health problems like high cholesterol. High cholesterol often doesn’t show symptoms, but your nails might give you some early hints.
1. White or Pale Nails
High cholesterol can make fatty deposits build up in your blood vessels. This can block blood flow and keep oxygen from reaching your fingers. When this happens, your fingernails might look pale or even turn white.
Dr. Natalia Hapych, a certified family medicine physician, says that when your blood doesn’t have enough oxygen, your nails can lose their healthy pink color. If you also have cold hands and feet or feel cramps in your legs, it might be time to talk to your doctor and check your cholesterol levels.
2. Yellowish Nails
If your nails start looking yellow, it could mean more than just a nail problem. Sometimes, yellow nails happen because fat (lipids) builds up in the tiny blood vessels near your nails. High cholesterol can cause this. This is medically known as xanthoma.
Dr. Hapych says yellow nails might be one of the first signs of high cholesterol. Of course, yellow nails could also be caused by other things like a fungal infection or vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Still, it’s smart to see your doctor to rule out high cholesterol.
3. Thick or Brittle Nails
High cholesterol can also change the texture of your nails. When cholesterol clogs blood vessels, it can stop your nails from getting the oxygen and nutrients they need. Over time, this might make your nails thick or brittle.
Dr. Hapych suggests that if your nails suddenly feel different, it warrants checking your heart health. Brittle nails can happen for other reasons, too, like not getting enough vitamins or just getting older. But when combined with other signs of high cholesterol, you should get it checked out.
The Bottom Line
Your fingernails might seem like a small thing, but they can give you important clues about your health. Pale nails, yellow nails, or thick and brittle nails might all point to high cholesterol. That said, these changes can happen for other reasons, so it’s important to visit your doctor.
With lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication, you can manage it and stay healthy. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating heart-healthy foods, increasing your physical activity, drinking alcohol in moderation, and quitting smoking. Don’t ignore the little signs your body is giving you—your nails might be trying to tell you something!
