High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) usually goes undetected until someone develops heart disease, but nature provides subtle clues to indicate your cholesterol levels that could be visible on your skin.
These symptoms include a net-like pattern on legs or feet that indicates cholesterol embolism, as well as color changes or ulcers that do not heal quickly.
Signs of High Cholesterol on Face
Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma is one of the telltale physical indicators of high cholesterol, often appearing as yellowish patches on eyelids. This condition increases your risk for atherosclerosis – buildup of hard gunk in arteries which blocks blood flow – leading to heart disease or stroke.
People affected by xanthelasma often inherit high cholesterol levels from both parents, though some have normal levels. Unfortunately, no definitive cause has yet been identified for xanthelasma; however, researchers believe changes to body’s lipid metabolism could play a part in its development.
Diet and exercise can help prevent xanthelasma, but don’t usually reduce its appearance. Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing may be the most effective solution to reduce existing xanthelasma. Also helpful are cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g. simvastatin) to improve overall cardiovascular health and avoid future heart problems.
Redness
High cholesterol can be hazardous because it builds up in your arteries and prevents blood from flowing freely, increasing your risk for heart disease. Unfortunately, however, most cases go undetected for years before any symptoms emerge – although some individuals may show physical signs that indicate they have a problem.
Redness and blotchiness on the face are symptoms of high cholesterol levels, particularly near your eyes. Itching may also indicate elevated levels. If these signs arise and you have had elevated cholesterol levels previously, seek medical advice immediately.
Yellow skin bumps known as xanthelasmas made of fatty deposits can also be an indicator of high cholesterol and triglycerides; these yellow bumps often appear around your nose and eyelids but can also appear elsewhere on elbows, knees, hands, and buttocks.
According to National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), this condition serves as a warning sign and treatment is vital. These noncancerous bumps should be removed by a dermatologist.
Small Pimples
If your cholesterol levels are elevated, they could cause skin lesions known as xanthelasma to appear on your skin. These yellow-tinged bumps, known as xanthelasma, typically form around the eyes but could also develop on palms of hands or lower leg backs as a side effect of high cholesterol levels.
If you notice these formations, be sure to assess your cholesterol levels and seek medical advice immediately. If these formations persist for more than several days, consult a physician immediately for medical attention.
If you have high cholesterol, you might also notice red or pink splotches on your face and neck known as papules that look similar to pimples if picked or squeezed, leading to scarring.
Filled with pus as part of the body’s response to infection, the splotches could also form infected lumps with pus-filled tops. You could even experience clogged pores which appear as infected lumps covered with pus-filled tops.
Yellow Bumps
Xanthelasma, a telltale sign of high cholesterol on the face, are yellow bumps that often form around or behind eyelids and appear in an asymmetrical fashion.
These deposits of cholesterol are actually caused by elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood. They often appear like skin rashes or contagious conditions like Molluscum Contagiosum; however, they actually signal that your body is struggling with high triglyceride levels in its system.
Cholesterol can block blood vessels that provide oxygen to your skin, altering its color and even leading to ulcers on feet and legs. Livedo reticularis is another skin issue linked to high cholesterol levels: its netlike pattern of bluish-red dots appears on thighs, feet, toes, buttocks, lower legs – possibly serving as an early warning sign of cholesterol embolism (when part of a plaque breaks off and lodges itself into an artery or blood vessel).
How to Manage High Cholesterol Levels
Managing high cholesterol levels requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Follow these steps to effectively manage your cholesterol:
Lifestyle Changes:
– Reduce intake of saturated and trans fats, opting for a heart-healthy diet.
– Boost fiber intake with foods like oatmeal, apples, prunes, and beans.
– Engage in moderate physical activity for 30 minutes, five times a week.
– Shed excess weight if overweight.
– Steer clear of smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
– Make informed choices by reading nutrition labels and selecting low-saturated fat meats.
Medication:
– When lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe medication.
– Adhere to your healthcare team’s instructions diligently, and consult them before discontinuing any medication.
Collaborate closely with your doctor to monitor and adjust cholesterol levels regularly if you’re 20 or older. By embracing these lifestyle changes and heeding medical advice, you can effectively manage cholesterol levels and mitigate the risks of heart disease and stroke.
How Often Should You Get Your Cholesterol Levels Checked
You should get your cholesterol levels checked based on several factors, including your health conditions and risks. Consider the following guidelines:
– Healthy adults: Get your cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years.
– Heart disease, diabetes, or family history: Monitor cholesterol more frequently.
– Children and adolescents: Test cholesterol between ages 9-11 and 17-21.
– People over 40: Frequent checks and assess 10-year heart attack or stroke risk.
– Men (45-65) and women (55-65): National guidelines suggest screenings every 1 to 2 years.
– Existing conditions: Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure may require more frequent checks.
Consult your healthcare professional to determine the ideal frequency based on your health profile.
