Alert over change to your eyes that could be sign of 'silent killer'

People have been urged to check their hands and eyes for symptoms of high cholesterol. Frederick Manduca, co-founder of Newfoundland Diagnostics, has issued a warning about the dangers of high cholesterol - which he said can be a "silent killer", with early signs often overlooked.

Mr Manduca said it's vital to monitor your cholesterol levels, especially as you get older, and to look out for certain symptoms. He said: "It's very hard to know whether you have high cholesterol, so it's important to keep tabs on it – through GP check-ups and home testing.

"However, in serious cases, these are the tell-tale signs you should look out for." One indicator to look out for is a change to your eyes. Mr Manduca said to check for corneal arcus, a grey-ish ring around the iris, which could signal elevated cholesterol levels.

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He explained: "The ring has no real effect on your vision or how your eyes look from a distance, but it is an indicator of high cholesterol. If you have a corneal arcus in one eye, it may indicate you have a form of heart disease, so this is definitely something to get checked out."

Another red flag to look out for is if you develop small yellowish deposits on your skin or around your eyes, which can be another sign your cholesterol levels are too high. Mr Manduca said: "These are called xanthelasma: small deposits of excess cholesterol that your body can't handle. Xanthelasma themselves are harmless, but they're a sign that there could be a deeper issue."

Another red flag to look out for is if you develop swellings around your tendons. Mr Manduca said: "Tendon xanthomata are small build-ups of cholesterol that cause swelling on the knuckles of your hands, Achilles tendons and knees.

"They are typically slow-growing, firm and yellowish. While Xanthelasma are harmless, tendon xanthomata are painful and tender when you move or when pressure is applied. So, it's good to get these checked out from a discomfort perspective, as well as for the health of your cardiovascular system."

Mr Manduca pointed out a particular health concern for men that could be linked to cholesterol if you have issues with erectile dysfunction. He said: "It can be an indicator of high cholesterol, rather than just a lack of teenage testosterone. High cholesterol causes the arteries in the penis to narrow, making it more difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.

"So, by taking note of your cholesterol, you might be able to bring back some of your former glory into your relationship." When asked about the age at which cholesterol can become an issue, he said you can see the symptoms as early as age 20, but the risks go up significantly after the age of 40."