These symptoms could mean you are at greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke
Health experts have warned of two telltale signs of a potentially deadly condition that can appear on the face. High cholesterol can be known as a “silent killer” due to the fact it typically does not display symptoms.
It occurs when a person has too much of a fatty substance known as cholesterol in the blood. While a certain amount of cholesterol in the body is needed, having too much can be risky.
This is because it can build-up in the blood vessels, causing them to narrow and even harden. It then becomes more difficult for blood to flow easily through, making it a major risk factor for medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes.
Around two in five people in the UK are thought to be living with high cholesterol but many will not realise unless they suffer an associated problem or get their blood tested. This is largely because most people do not experience symptoms.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) explains: “There are usually no symptoms of high cholesterol. But if left untreated, it can lead to heart attack and stroke.
“It’s often a hidden risk factor which means it can happen without us knowing until it’s too late. That is why it’s so important to get your cholesterol level checked.”
But in some cases, usually if you have familial hypercholesterolaemia – a genetic condition causing high cholesterol – there are some warning signs that might appear on the face.
The BHF lists these as:
- Xanthelasmas – small, yellow lumps of cholesterol near the inner corner of your eye
- Corneal arcus – this is a pale white ring around the coloured part of your eye, your iris.
Xanthelasmas
These are “harmless” yellow growths that appear on or by the corners of your eyelids next to your nose. The Cleveland Clinic says: “Cholesterol deposits build up under your skin to form a xanthelasma.”
Around half of people who have xanthelasmas have high cholesterol levels. However, xanthelasmas could be a sign of another condition, such as:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems.
Corneal arcus
This is characterised as a grey or white arc that appears in the eye above and below the outer cornea. Cardiologist Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, writing for the Mayo Clinic, said: “Eventually, the arc may become a complete ring around the iris. The iris is the coloured portion of the eye.”
He added that it doesn’t affect your vision or need treatment. But if you spot this sign you should speak to your GP. To prevent high cholesterol or to lower your levels the NHS recommends:
- Eating less saturated fat
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Stopping smoking
- Reducing your alcohol intake.
