Doctor reveals these three smells could be sign of 'invisible killer'

A dreaded 'invisible killer' has become the focus of a medical warning this week, with doctors believing that a keen sense of smell can assist with an early diagnosis.

While it doesn't show any physical signs within the body, or have clear viable symptoms, high levels of cholesterol are believed to take over four million lives around the world every year, as per the World Heart Foundation.

The condition sees a build up of plaque within the arteries, resulting in blockages that cause fatal damage to a person's heart - including via angina (chest pains), cardiac arrests or even triggering a stroke.

It's impossible to determine with absolute certainty whether or not somebody is suffering from high cholesterol just by looking at them - even though the condition is most common in overweight individuals.

High cholesterol could trigger fatal conditions (Getty Stock Images)

Only a blood test can accurately determine the extent of the damage, meaning the dangerous blockages could fly under the radar until causing ultimate damage, which is why so many medics refer to the condition as a 'silent killer'.

Apparently, however, some researchers believe there could be another indicator of high cholesterol within a person's body which is related to their sense of smell.

A 2020 article published in the Laryngoscope medical journal postulated a supposed link between the condition, and a sensation called 'phantom odour perception'.

The latter is characterised by the sudden observing of three different scents - unpleasant smells, bad smells, or burning smells.

Data from a 2011-2014 study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of over 7,000 adults aged 40 and over was used to support the claim.

Cholesterol is reportedly linked to smell certain bad smells (Getty Stock Images)

It was found that a number of adults with known high cholesterol mentioned smelling these unsourced odours than individuals who were not found to have had high blood pressure.

This connection was particularly prominent in male individuals with cholesterol who were aged 60 and suffered from diabetes.

"Stroke, angina, congestive heart failure, well-managed high blood pressure, and well-managed high cholesterol are associated with phantom odour perception," was noted in the study's conclusion, as per SurreyLive.

According to the NHS, there are a number of ways to lower cholesterol levels within your body. The first is a focus on diet.

Fatty foods, fried foods, excessive salt, alcohol, red meats and processed snacks would be reduced, all of which an high in saturated and trans fats, while healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, oily fish, and fibre should both be upped.

Healthy fats should be prioritised (Getty Stock Images)

An increased amount of exercise is also recommended for individuals with high cholesterol, with 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week being baseline.

Being that smoking negatively impacts cholesterol, doctors say individuals with the condition should strive to quit.

Chronic stress is also linked to high levels, so it's vital to take care of your mental health, as well as your physical.