6 symptoms of high cholesterol seen in body and face

High cholesterol often goes unnoticed, since it does not cause too many "visible" symptoms, or even non-visible ones such as weakness, lethargy etc. However, the condition is almost always directly related to heart disease, where cholesterol build up (usually over months/years) can lead to blockage of arteries, resulting in myocardial infarction, also known as heart attack. When it comes to readings, a level of 200 mg/dL or higher is generally considered high, with 200-239 mg/dL being borderline high, though this can vary. While the best way to determine your cholesterol is to get a blood test, here are 6 symptoms of high cholesterol seen in the body and face....

One of the most noticeable signs of high cholesterol is the appearance of yellowish patches or bumps on or around the eyelids. These fatty deposits under the skin are called xanthelasma. They appear as little blobs under the eyes, and are soft, painless, and usually harmless but often indicate elevated cholesterol levels in the blood. If you spot these yellow patches, especially near the corners of your eyes, it is a good idea to get your cholesterol checked by a doctor.

High cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, refers to elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood. This excess cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in arteries, a process called atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

A gray or white ring that forms around the edge of the cornea (the clear front part of your eye) is called corneal arcus or arcus senilis. While this ring is common in older adults, its presence in younger people (under 45) can be a warning sign of high cholesterol. This ring forms because cholesterol deposits build up in the cornea. If you notice this ring, especially at a young age, consult a healthcare professional for a cholesterol test.

Xanthomas are small, yellowish bumps or pimples that appear on the skin due to cholesterol buildup beneath the surface. They can form on the face, especially on the cheeks, eyelids, or around the eyes, but also on other parts of the body like elbows or knees. These bumps are usually painless, but indicate that your body has high cholesterol or lipid problems. If you spot these, rush to a doctor as soon as possible.

High cholesterol can cause a yellowish discoloration or pigmentation on the skin, often seen on the face and around the eyes. This condition, called xanthoderma, happens because cholesterol-rich deposits build up in the skin layers. Though not always present, this yellow tint on the skin can be a sign of hyperlipidemia (high blood lipids) and should prompt a cholesterol check.

Sometimes, high cholesterol can lead to a condition called cholesterol embolization syndrome, where tiny arteries get blocked by cholesterol plaques. This can cause a net-like blue or purple pattern on the skin. This symptom is more serious and indicates blood flow problems that need immediate medical attention to avoid tissue damage.

Eruptive xanthomas are sudden clusters of small, red or yellow bumps that may look like a rash or warts. They happen when triglyceride levels in the blood are very high, causing fatty deposits to appear quickly on the skin. These bumps often appear on the face, arms, or buttocks and signal a need for urgent medical evaluation and treatment to control cholesterol and triglycerides.These sudden skin eruptions can be mistaken for common rashes but signal a serious imbalance in blood fats. Prompt medical care is crucial to address the underlying causes and prevent further complications.

Staying healthy can bring down your cholestrol quickly

Exercise makes you agile and also helps keep weight in control

Focus on a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

Consult a doctor if any of these symptoms appear.

Do not ignore any signs these signs

The good thing is that slightly high cholestrol is mostly reversible with diet and exercise