Signs of High Cholesterol on the Face to Look For

What is High Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver and found in certain foods. It is essential for building cells and producing hormones and vitamins. 

High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is a condition where there is an excessive amount of cholesterol in the blood. Too much cholesterol can be harmful, leading to health issues such as cardiovascular diseases.

Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream attached to proteins. This combination of proteins and cholesterol is called lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins:

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol particles throughout your body. High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries, which can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove cholesterol from your bloodstream, transporting it to the liver, where it is broken down and eliminated from the body. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are beneficial and help reduce the risk of heart disease.

According to data from the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 5% of people have hypercholesterolemia. Almost 1/3 of American adults have elevated levels of LDL cholesterol.

Causes and Risk Factors of High Cholesterol

Several factors contribute to high cholesterol, some of which are within your control, while others are not. Understanding these causes and risk factors can help you take steps to manage your cholesterol levels effectively.

1. Unhealthy Diet: Consuming foods high in saturated and trans fats can lead to unhealthy cholesterol levels. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
2. Lack of Exercise: Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can help manage cholesterol levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
3. Obesity: A Body Mass Index (BMI) of more than 30 increases the risk of high cholesterol. Weight management through diet and exercise is crucial.
4. Smoking: Smoking can lower HDL (good) cholesterol and damage the walls of your blood vessels, making them more susceptible to plaque buildup.
5. Age: As you age, your liver becomes less efficient at removing LDL cholesterol from your bloodstream. This natural aging process can contribute to higher cholesterol levels.
6. Family History: Genetics plays a significant role in cholesterol levels. If you have a family history of high cholesterol, you are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
7. Other Medical Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hypothyroidism can increase the risk of high cholesterol. Managing these conditions with the help of a healthcare professional is essential.

Facial Signs of High Cholesterol

Recognizing the signs of high cholesterol on the face can be crucial for early detection and management. Here are some key facial indicators:

Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma are yellowish, fatty deposits that appear around the eyelids. These deposits form when cholesterol builds up under the skin, creating small, yellowish bumps that are usually soft to the touch. While xanthelasma are typically harmless and do not cause pain, their presence can indicate elevated cholesterol levels.

This condition is often linked to high LDL (bad) cholesterol and low HDL (good) cholesterol levels. People with these fatty deposits should consider getting their cholesterol levels checked, as these bumps are a visible sign of potential hypercholesterolemia.

However, the Cleveland Clinic states that half of the people with xanthelasmas do not have high cholesterol.

Arcus Senilis (Corneal Arcus)

Arcus senilis is characterized by a grayish-white ring or arc that appears around the cornea of the eye. This ring forms due to cholesterol deposits in the cornea. Although arcus senilis is common in older adults and is generally considered a normal part of aging, its presence in younger individuals can be a red flag for high cholesterol levels.

However, when observed in people under 40, it often indicates high cholesterol and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Therefore, if you notice this ring around your eye and you are relatively young, it's important to get your cholesterol levels checked.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. 

The inflammatory nature of psoriasis and high cholesterol share common pathways, contributing to their correlation. A recent study from the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology indicates that high levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol are genetic risk factors for psoriasis.

Risk factors like obesity, lack of exercise, and a diet high in unhealthy fats can exacerbate both conditions. Managing cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes and medical treatment can help reduce the severity of psoriasis and improve overall health.

Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is an inflammatory condition that presents as shiny, purple or red bumps on the skin or inside the mouth. These bumps may itch and can appear anywhere on the body, including the face. 

Some studies have found a link between lichen planus and high cholesterol, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood.

This correlation suggests that managing cholesterol levels might help alleviate some symptoms of lichen planus. Regular checkups and lipid panels are recommended for individuals with this condition to monitor and manage their cholesterol levels effectively.

Eruptive Xanthomas

Eruptive xanthomas are small, red or yellowish bumps that appear suddenly on the skin. They are often found on the elbows, knees, buttocks, and back but can also appear on the face, particularly around the eyes. These bumps are caused by extremely high levels of triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood.

Eruptive xanthomas are a clear sign of dangerously high triglyceride levels, which can increase the risk of acute pancreatitis. Immediate medical attention and lifestyle changes are necessary to manage triglyceride levels and prevent further health complications.

Recognizing these facial signs can help you identify potential high cholesterol and take action. Regular cholesterol checks and consultations with healthcare professionals are essential. For a personalized assessment of your symptoms and risks, use the Docus AI Symptom Checker tool, and always seek professional medical advice for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Testing and Diagnosis

Diagnosing high cholesterol is crucial for preventing serious health complications such as heart disease and stroke. Blood tests are the primary method for diagnosing high cholesterol and assessing cardiovascular risk.

Lipid Panel Tests

A lipid panel test is the most common type of blood test used to measure cholesterol levels. This test provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of cholesterol and lipids in the blood. The lipid panel includes measurements of:

• Total Cholesterol: The overall amount of cholesterol in the blood.
• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, high levels can lead to the buildup of plaque in arteries.
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol: Known as "good" cholesterol, it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.
• Triglycerides: A type of fat found in the blood; high levels can increase the risk of heart disease.

Frequency of Testing

The frequency of cholesterol testing depends on age, risk factors, and overall health. The NHLBI recommends the following general guidelines:

• Ages 19 or younger: Screening begins at ages 9 to 11 and should be repeated every 5 years. Screening may be performed as early as age 2 if there is a family history of high blood cholesterol, heart attack, or stroke.
• Ages 20 to 65: Younger adults should be screened every 5 years. Men ages 45 to 65 and women ages 55 to 65 should be screened every 1 to 2 years.
• Older than 65: Older adults should be screened every year.

Note: Those with existing cardiovascular conditions, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol may need to undergo cholesterol tests more frequently, as advised by their healthcare provider.

Treatment and Management

Managing high cholesterol is essential to reduce the risk of serious health complications such as heart disease and stroke. Treatment usually involves a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications.

Medications

Several types of medications can help lower cholesterol levels:

• Statins: Reduce cholesterol production in the liver and help remove cholesterol from the blood.
• Bile Acid Sequestrants: Bind to bile acids in the intestines, leading the liver to use more cholesterol to produce bile acids, thus reducing cholesterol levels.
• Niacin: Increases HDL (good) cholesterol and lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Fibrates: Primarily reduce triglyceride levels and can increase HDL cholesterol.
• Injectable Medications: Help lower LDL cholesterol by enhancing the liver's ability to remove it from the blood.

Lifestyle Modifications

Lifestyle changes are crucial for managing high cholesterol effectively:

• Healthy Diet: Eat a diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts). The American Heart Association advises keeping saturated fat intake below 6% of your daily calories and avoiding trans fats altogether.
• Regular Exercise: The American Heart Association states that at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week is sufficient to reduce both cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise to help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL cholesterol.
• Limiting Alcohol Consumption: Drink alcohol in moderation—up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
• Quitting Smoking: Improves HDL cholesterol levels and overall heart health.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can negatively impact cholesterol levels. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help manage stress effectively.