4325
3.5

13-09-2024 Team Medicover general

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Bharath Reddy D, Cardiologist

Signs of high cholesterol on face

High cholesterol is known as a silent killer due to its frequently asymptomatic nature, making it challenging to detect without a blood test. However, in some instances, your face can reveal signs indicative of elevated cholesterol levels.

Understanding these signs can prompt early medical intervention and potentially prevent severe cardiovascular complications.

This article explores the various facial indicators of high cholesterol, providing you with the knowledge to identify and address these concerns promptly.

What is Cholesterol and Its Impact?

Cholesterol is a lipid found in your blood and is essential for building healthy cells. However, an excess of cholesterol can lead to low-density lipoprotein (LDL)and cause plaque formation in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol levels can manifest through physical symptoms, especially on the face, which is a key indicator of the need for a timely medical consultation.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Common Signs of High Cholesterol on Face

1. Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma is one of the warning signs of high cholesterol on the Face. These are yellowish and fatty deposits that usually appear around the eyelids.

Though xanthelasma can occur in individuals with normal cholesterol levels, they are more prevalent among those with elevated lipid levels.

Appearance: Yellowish and soft plaques.
Location: Found on the upper and lower eyelids, near the inner canthus (corner of the eye).
Size and Shape: Can vary in size and may be flat or slightly raised.

2. Corneal Arcus

The corneal arcus, also known as arcus senilis when it occurs in older adults. It is a grey or white arc visible around the cornea. While it is a common aging sign, its presence in younger people can be symptoms of high cholesterol.

Appearance: Gray or white ring or arc around the cornea.
Location: Encircles the cornea, typically starting at the top and bottom.
Age Factor: More concerning if observed in individuals under 50 years old.

3. Yellowish Bumps

High cholesterol can also manifest as yellowish bumps on other parts of the face, such as the nose, cheeks and forehead. These bumps, known as cutaneous xanthomas, are less common but still significant indicators of lipid disorders.

Appearance: Yellowish, slightly raised bumps.
Location: Can appear on the nose, cheeks, forehead and other parts of the body.
Size: Varies, but often small and clustered.

Other Facial Symptoms of High Cholesterol on Face

Puffy Eyelids and Lids

Puffiness around the eyes, particularly in the morning, can sometimes be linked to high cholesterol levels . Although nonspecific, this symptom can signal the need for a cholesterol check if accompanied by other signs.

Dark Circles and Discolouration

Dark circles under the eyes and facial discolouration can be indirect indicators of high cholesterol. These symptoms may arise due to poor circulation and oxygenation of blood and are associated with high cholesterol levels.

Diagnosis for High Cholesterol

A doctor may conduct a simple test to check your cholesterol levels. Spotting these signs early can help catch any problems sooner, allowing for treatment that might prevent more serious health issues down the line.

Lipid Panel Test

A lipid panel test measures various cholesterol components like:

Total cholesterol: This is the overall level of cholesterol in your blood.
Low-Density Lipoprotein: Often called bad cholesterol, this type can lead to heart problems if the levels are too high.
High-Density Lipoprotein: Known as good cholesterol, this type helps protect your heart.
Triglycerides: This is a kind of fat that's in your blood, and high levels can also affect your health.

Treatment for High Cholesterol

If you find out you have high cholesterol, your doctor may suggest a mix of lifestyle changes and medications to help. Here are some simple steps you can take:

Dietary Changes: Try to lower the amount of unhealthy fats in your diet, especially those found in fried foods and many processed snacks.
Exercise: Aim to include regular exercise in your routine, which can help improve your heart health
Medications: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medicines like statins to help lower cholesterol levels if lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough.

How to Prevent High Cholesterol Levels

Healthy Diet

Eating a heart-healthy diet can really help improve your cholesterol levels. Here are some important foods to focus on:

Fruits and Vegetables: These are full of important nutrients and good fiber that can help keep your heart healthy.
Whole Grains: Foods like oats and barley are great choices because they provide energy and support heart health.
Healthy Fats: You can find these in nuts, seeds and fish. They are good for your heart and can help lower bad cholesterol.

Regular Physical Activity

Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Activities can include:

Brisk Walking: This is simple and is something almost anyone can do.
Cycling: Riding a cycle is fantastic for cardiovascular health.
Swimming: This is a great way to exercise without putting too much strain on your body.

Regular Check-ups

Routine medical check-ups and cholesterol screenings are crucial, especially if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Conclusion

Facial signs of high cholesterol like xanthelasma, corneal arcus and cutaneous xanthomas, are important indicators of underlying lipid disorders. It’s important to recognise these signs early and talk to a doctor, as they can help you take action before things get more serious. Living a healthy lifestyle and getting regular check-ups are essential steps to keep your cholesterol in check and support your overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, high cholesterol can lead to certain visible signs on the face, such as yellowish bumps or lesions, particularly around the eyes and eyelids.

Xanthelasma are yellowish, cholesterol-rich deposits that appear on the eyelids or around the eyes. They are often associated with high cholesterol levels and can be an indication of lipid metabolism disorders.

Xanthomas are yellowish, fatty deposits that can appear on various parts of the body, including the face. They often appear on the eyelids, under the eyes, or on the cheeks and may indicate high cholesterol or other lipid disorders.

While not directly visible, high cholesterol can affect skin health indirectly. Elevated cholesterol levels may lead to skin conditions like a yellowish tint or patches due to the buildup of fatty deposits.

Xanthelasma are soft, yellowish bumps that appear symmetrically around the eyes. They are different from other skin conditions by their specific location and color. Consulting a healthcare provider for a proper impact is recommended.