A doctor has issued a warning that high cholesterol might manifest as yellow or white lumps on the face, specifically near the eyes. Dr Amir Khan explained that these “lumps” known as xanthomas, tend to appear on the bony parts around the eyelids.
Speaking to Magas, Dr Khan said, “If you’ve noticed new white or yellowish lumps around your eyelids, particularly around that bony part, that could be a sign of high cholesterol.”
The article noted that xanthomas are fatty deposits due to excessive cholesterol and can also develop around the knees and elbows, potentially signaling an issue with how the body processes fats.
This is not the first instance of Dr Khan highlighting facial indicators of high cholesterol. Earlier in the year, he informed Lorraine Kelly, “The face can tell you a lot about your health actually, so we’ll start with the eyes.”
He added, “If you’ve noticed new white or yellowish lumps around your eyelid, particularly kind of [he gestured towards the eyebrows] around that bony part there, that could be a sign of raised cholesterol.”, reports Surrey Live.
High cholesterol typically doesn’t present with symptoms, as per NHS guidance, but it can be detected through a blood test. Elevated cholesterol levels are considered a risk factor for other heart-related issues, including high blood pressure.
With the winter season often leading to an increase in the consumption of high-salt and high-fat foods, there’s a heightened risk of cholesterol levels spiking. To counteract the effects of indulgent festive treats, it’s crucial to adopt some health-boosting strategies.
Discussing heart disease and high cholesterol indicators, one expert has delved into how individuals can lower their risk with ease. On TikTok, he highlighted cinnamon as an inexpensive spice that could bolster heart health.
He shared: “The distinct smell and flavour are down to the oily part, which is very high in a compound called cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamon contains large amounts of plant antioxidants, called polyphenols. These protect our bodies from roaming free radicals, which can damage our DNA. It [cinnamon] can actually reduce inflammation within our bodies, and cinnamon has also been linked to reducing risk of heart disease.”
Dr Khan also noted that cinnamon has been “linked to lower blood pressure” and is “well-known for its blood sugar lowering properties”. Regarding the amount of cinnamon to incorporate into your diet, Dr Khan recommended about half a teaspoon.
For those worried about high cholesterol, further information can be found on the NHS website.