Cholesterol is an essential fat that our bodies need to build cells, produce hormones, and support normal nervous system function. However, when there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it can build up in the artery walls, causing blockages and increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack or stroke.
There are two main types of cholesterol:
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol. High LDL levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, also known as good cholesterol, helps transport excess cholesterol from tissues to the liver for removal from the body.
In addition, another type of fat called triglycerides, when high levels can also be harmful to the heart.
What facial signs are symptoms of high cholesterol?
Most people with high cholesterol do not have obvious symptoms. However, in rare cases, the body can send warning signs, especially on the face
Here are 5 signs to watch out for:
1. Yellow patches around the eyelids (Xanthelasmas)
Xanthelasmas are a special form of xanthoma, which is a skin lesion caused by the accumulation of cholesterol under the skin’s surface. They usually appear as small, soft, pale yellow patches or lumps, located right in the middle of the upper or lower eyelid, sometimes extending to the corner of the eye.
Xanthelasmas are usually not painful or itchy, but can make the sufferer feel self-conscious due to the aesthetic impact. Although not everyone with high cholesterol develops xanthelasmas, their presence is a clear signal for you to get your blood lipids checked. In fact, many doctors consider xanthelasmas to be an early clinical sign of dyslipidemia, especially in middle-aged and elderly people.
2. Silent Rings Around the Eyes (Cornea Arcus)
Another sign that may reflect high cholesterol is corneal arcus, which is a grayish-white or bluish ring that surrounds the cornea, the clear part of the eye. Corneal arcus can be hard to spot unless you look closely, but it is a common sign in older people or those with a family history of dyslipidemia.
The condition usually does not affect vision and is painless. However, in younger people, the appearance of corneal arcus can indicate a risk of severe high cholesterol, especially when accompanied by a family history of early cardiovascular disease.
3. Lichen Planus
Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause an itchy, shiny, dark rash that usually appears on the wrists, arms, back, and ankles. However, LP can also affect the skin of the face or the lining of the mouth, where it appears as lacy white patches or an uncomfortable burning sensation.
Several studies have found a link between lichen planus and dyslipidemia. Specifically, people with LP tend to have higher than normal levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides. Although it is not yet clear that LP is a direct result of high cholesterol, if you have symptoms of LP, especially on your face or mouth, it is absolutely necessary to have a blood lipid test.
4. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic immune disorder that causes the skin to produce cells too quickly, forming thick, dry, scaly patches. These patches often appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back, but sometimes affect the face, causing the skin to become dark, rough, and dry.
Notably, many studies have shown a link between psoriasis and dyslipidemia. People with severe psoriasis are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and high cholesterol is considered a related factor. The IL-17A gene, which is activated in people with high cholesterol, is also linked to the mechanism that causes psoriasis. Therefore, if you have psoriasis, regular blood lipid testing is an important part of comprehensive management of the disease.
5. Eruptive Xanthomas
Eruptive Xanthomas are a rare skin condition in which yellow, red, or pink bumps appear on the skin surface, mainly on the elbows, hands, knees, and possibly the face, such as the cheeks, forehead, and eyelids.
This is a telltale sign of extremely high triglycerides, which can reach dangerous levels and cause acute pancreatitis (a life-threatening condition). Although only about 10% of people with high cholesterol develop eruptive Xanthomas, when they do appear, it is an urgent signal that requires immediate medical intervention.
Lifestyle cholesterol control solutions
Here are some effective strategies:
- Limit saturated fat: Foods such as animal fat, fatty red meat, butter, fatty cheese or fried foods are the culprits that cause high LDL cholesterol. Replace them with unsaturated vegetable oils (olive oil, canola oil), fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel.
- Increase fiber: Green vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains help reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestine. In particular, soluble fiber in oats, apples, lentils can effectively reduce LDL.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity for 30–45 minutes a day such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming can increase HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce triglycerides.
- Quit smoking: Smoking not only damages blood vessels but also reduces HDL and increases the risk of heart disease. Quitting smoking is one of the quickest ways to improve your heart health.
- Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase triglyceride levels and blood pressure. If you drink, keep it in moderation, no more than 1 unit/day for women and 2 units/day for men.
