Among a multitude of problems that can threaten to shorten our life expectancy or decrease our quality of life, high cholesterol or hyperlipidemia is a significant health problem. Cholesterol, the waxy substance naturally produced by our bodies, can wreak havoc when in excess. These days, poor food choices, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle and lack of activity, can lead to too much bad cholesterol – LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which can cause fatty deposits in your blood vessels , making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries. This can lead to conditions such as a heart attack or stroke.
Paying attention to certain signs in the body can alert a person well in advance before they become vulnerable to high cholesterol problems and possibly heart disease. In the post-Corona world, where lifestyle has become more sedentary and cases of heart attacks have increased exponentially, being warned of serious health problems could prompt you to take preventive measures.
High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, but in some cases it may appear on the face or eyes. Grayish-white rings in the cornea, yellowish spots on the skin and bumps around the eyes may indicate that you need to correct your lifestyle and make efforts to lower your cholesterol levels.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL IN THE FACE AND EYES
Here are some signs and symptoms of high cholesterol explained by Dr. Neeti Sharma, Senior Consultant – Nutrition and Dietetics at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram.
1. Yellow spots on the eyelids
Yellowish spots on the skin, especially around the eyelids, are called xanthelasma. They are made up of cholesterol deposits and often signify high blood cholesterol levels. Even though they are mostly benign, their existence could indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. If you suffer from xanthelasma, you should definitely see a doctor. They can give you advice on controlling cholesterol and assessing your overall heart health.
2. Changes around the edge of the cornea: Arcus senilis, a ring that develops around the edge of the cornea and may be white or gray in color. It is caused by cholesterol deposits and can be a sign of high cholesterol levels, especially in those under 45.
3. A ring surrounding the cornea: Corneal arcus usually seen in individuals under the age of 40, it is a white or gray ring surrounding the cornea, similar to arcus senilis. It could also be a sign of high cholesterol.
4.Skin pigmentation: Hyperlipidemia is a disorder in which the blood contains excess lipids, particularly cholesterol, and is caused by high cholesterol levels. This can lead to xanthoderma, a yellowish pigmentation of the skin. This usually appears best on the face and in the area around the eyes. The accumulation of cholesterol-rich deposits within the layers of the skin is the cause of this discoloration. Although this is not always the case, it could be a sign of high cholesterol and may require further testing.
5. Yellowish pimples: Benign growths called xanthomas occur when cholesterol builds up in specific cells located beneath the surface of the skin. Their appearance can be small yellowish bumps or larger raised patches, depending on their size and shape. When they appear on the face, they are frequently located on the cheeks, eyelids or around the eyes. Although they usually don’t hurt, their existence could be a sign of underlying medical problems such as abnormalities in lipid metabolism or high cholesterol levels.
For further evaluation and management of the lipid profile, it is imperative that you seek medical attention if you develop xanthomas on your face.
