High levels of cholesterol are not a sign of good health, especially heart health, is common knowledge now. The problem is high levels of this waxy, fat-like substance don’t manifest in symptoms like most other conditions. In some cases, it can cause subtle changes in your appearance that you may notice. When they start to appear, it is likely that these symptoms of high cholesterol will show up on your face. Keep an eye on the tip of your tongue, the cornea, and the skin around the eyelids.
Dark Purple Tongue
If low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol builds up in your blood vessels, it can affect blood flow and even increase the pressure in the arteries. This results in a condition called blood stasis, which in turn can appear as a dark purple color on your tongue. This color on the tongue can be a sign that the blood is not circulating properly or that it is failing to deliver enough oxygen to the body’s tissues.
Xanthelasma
A xanthelasma is a yellowish fatty deposit under the skin. You may notice it as raised yellow spots around your eyes or on the inner corner of your eyelids. Although it is harmless and does not interfere with a person’s vision, it can be a sign of a problem with your lipid levels. Lipids are fats in the blood and include cholesterol. Consult a doctor if you see such patches.
Semicircle On Cornea
Arcus senilis, or the formation of a semi-circle on your cornea (the transparent part of the eye), is common in older adults. It is formed by lipid deposition. While this is extremely common as people age and does not necessarily indicate high cholesterol, people who are under the age of 40 and still notice rings in their eyes should consult a doctor and have their Cholesterol level should be checked.
High levels of bad cholesterol in the body can cause damage to such an extent that a person may suffer a stroke or a heart attack. Moreover, increased LDL can damage the brain and can even prove fatal.
Remember that the above signs may or may not appear if you have high cholesterol. It is important to get your cholesterol checked through a blood test every 4 to 6 years.
