High cholesterol is a silent condition just like high blood pressure.
Without spurring on many symptoms, the fatty substance can slowly build up in your arteries and put you at risk of serious cardiovascular problems.
However, an expert has shared one warning sign of high cholesterol that could be spotted in the mirror.
Triggered by fat deposits made up of “bad” cholesterol, xanthelasmas around your eyes could ring alarm bells, according to Dr Susan Sarangapani, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at OCL Vision.
Dr Sarangapani said: “Xanthelasma is a relatively common condition, despite not being something you hear about all that often.
“It is characterised by yellowish-white lumps that form on the upper and lower eyelids.”
To spot these pesky growths, the doctor recommended having a “look in the mirror”.
Xanthelasmas are painless and don’t cause any itching so you won’t feel these lumps coming up.
“They can be quite unsightly and people who suffer from xanthelasma may be self-conscious about how it looks,” the expert added.
While the yellow growths could be an “indicator” of high cholesterol levels in your blood vessels, they could also be caused by other factors.
To determine the cause of your xanthelasmas, the expert recommended seeing a doctor.
Dr Sarangapani said: “Before you think about the cosmetic aspect, you need to deal with the underlying cause.
“If you have noticed the lumps developing, or if your optician has mentioned it in a routine eye exam, it is worth seeing your doctor for more advice and to check your cholesterol levels.
“Taking prompt action on high cholesterol is critical to avoiding cardiovascular issues further down the line.”
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