There are several signs that can appear anywhere on your body to let you know something isn't right - and they're often in the last place you'd expect. One subtle sign on your lips could actually be an indicator you need to talk to a doctor about your cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol is often called a 'silent killer' as it typically doesn't present any symptoms. Warning signs may start to appear once high cholesterol has started impacting other parts of your body - it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Looking closely in the mirror, you might notice some odd bumps around your lips. These are known as Fordyce spots - and are a classic sign of high cholesterol.

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The lumps are often small and painless - which means many people will quickly ignore the warning signs. A way to know for sure is by checking if areas that normally have no hair follicles, such as around the lips or cheeks.

Early trials suggest that people with more Fordyce spots on their lips and mouth may be more likely to have high cholesterol. This may be related to the amount of lipids in the blood, reports Birmingham Live.

However, more research is needed to confirm this link. Fordyce spots usually fade over time without treatment. They are more noticeable in men and people with oily skin. Picking or squeezing Fordyce spots can cause infections and won't make them go away.

High cholesterol is a silent threat, often presenting no symptoms until it's too late. The only definitive way to determine if you're at risk is through a blood test.

If left uncontrolled, high cholesterol can lead to severe health complications such as heart attacks or strokes. This harmful fatty substance, which blocks arteries, can be triggered by a diet high in fatty foods, lack of physical activity, being overweight, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

To fight high cholesterol, doctors suggest regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, eating a balanced diet and avoiding processed, fatty foods. Your GP can assist you in creating a plan to enhance your cholesterol levels, which may involve medication like statins.

These tablets, usually taken daily, decrease the amount of cholesterol your body generates. High cholesterol can occasionally manifest itself through symptoms such as a feeling of heaviness in your legs, thighs, or calves, particularly when walking.

Muscle atrophy can also occur if high cholesterol restricts blood flow to your limbs.