The lesser-known symptoms on the face that could be a sign of high cholesterol

Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵

Facial Symptoms May Indicate High Cholesterol: What to Watch For

Individuals are being cautioned to observe specific facial symptoms that could signal elevated cholesterol levels. High cholesterol, a condition characterized by an excessive amount of fatty substances in the bloodstream, impedes the efficient movement of blood through blood vessels. The National Health Service (NHS) highlights that the likelihood of developing high cholesterol increases for individuals over 50, men, post-menopausal women, and those of South Asian or sub-Saharan African heritage. Furthermore, familial hypercholesterolaemia, a genetic predisposition, can also contribute to this condition.

Familial Hypercholesterolaemia and Heart Health

According to Heart UK, untreated familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) can precipitate heart disease at a young age. However, early diagnosis enables management through medication and lifestyle adjustments. FH results in significantly higher cholesterol levels compared to others, even with a healthy lifestyle, due to its impact on cholesterol metabolism within the body.

Causes of Elevated Cholesterol

High cholesterol can also stem from lifestyle factors including:

• Consumption of high-fat foods
• Insufficient physical activity
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake

Recognizing the Signs: Key Facial Indicators

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) emphasizes that high cholesterol often presents without noticeable symptoms.

The BHF further warns, “Untreated high cholesterol elevates the risk of severe cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. Its silent nature can delay detection until critical health issues arise. Therefore, regular cholesterol level checks are crucial.”

vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.

The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.

Two Visual Clues to Monitor:

These are the two facial symptoms that health professionals advise people to monitor:

• Corneal Arcus: Appears as a pale, whitish ring encircling the iris, the colored portion of the eye.
• Xanthelasmas: Manifest as small, yellowish cholesterol deposits or bumps situated near the inner corner of the eye.

Cardiologist Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, in an article for the Mayo Clinic, explains that a corneal arcus may evolve into a complete circle around the iris, the eye’s colored part.

The Cleveland Clinic clarifies that xanthelasmas are formed by cholesterol accumulation beneath the skin.

Managing Cholesterol Levels: NHS Recommendations

NHS guidelines recommend several actions to help control high cholesterol:

• Reduce intake of saturated fats
• Adopt a balanced and heart-healthy diet
• Engage in consistent physical exercise
• Stop smoking
• Consume alcohol moderately

Medical experts caution that excessive cholesterol can obstruct blood vessels, increasing susceptibility to heart problems and stroke.

Seek Medical Advice

Individuals with concerns about their cholesterol levels should consult their General Practitioner (GP) for assessment and guidance.

🕐 Top News in the Last Hour By Importance Score

View More Top News ➡️