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Cardiology | by Dr. Rakesh Sarkar | Published on 27/11/2024
Did you know that your eyes can reveal the symptoms of cholesterol levels? High cholesterol often goes unnoticed until it leads to serious complications like heart disease or stroke. But sometimes, your body gives subtle warnings, and your eyes might be one of the first places to show them.
From greyish white rings in the cornea to yellowish pimples on the face, the signs might seem small but can indicate a larger problem. Ignoring these early symptoms could be risky. So, let’s understand how your eyes can act as a mirror into your heart health and help you take control before it’s too late. If you are experiencing any related issue, then you must book your appointment with our Cardiologist, at BM Birla Heart Research Center, Kolkata. You will find the best diagnosis and treatment solutions that are right for you.
Cholesterol is a lipid or waxy substance found in your body. They play an essential role in performing various functions, including:
But when your body produces excess levels of cholesterol, it can lead to serious health issues, particularly cardiovascular problems. Cholesterol is categorised into two parts that are:
Low-density lipoprotein is the “bad” cholesterol. It has higher levels of LDL, which promotes the buildup of plaque in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart-related problems.
HDL cholesterol is a “good” cholesterol. It helps to remove the excess cholesterol from the other part of your body.
When it comes to the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the lower numbers are better. High LDL levels can increase the risk of heart disease and other health-related problems.
Normal ranges for healthy adults are:
In modern times, we prefer western diets that are high in sugar, salt, fat, and carbohydrates, along with an unhealthy lifestyle and less physical activity. These lead to too much LDL cholesterol, which causes fatty deposits in your blood vessels, making it difficult for enough blood flow through your arteries. As a result, it leads to a heart attack or stroke.
Some of the most common high LDL cholesterol symptoms that can appear in and around your eyes that you need to be aware of are:
This is the most common sign of high cholesterol that can be easily seen in your eyes. It may show a flat or somewhat raised yellow area around the eyes or near the nose. Xanthelasma is a deposit of cholesterol that collects under the skin and forms visible lesions. However, this condition doesn’t effect your vision.
Key symptoms of Xanthelasma are:
It is more common in those who:
Another symptom of high cholesterol is corneal arcus. It is also called Arcus senilis. In which, you might see a white, grey, or blue ring around your cornea, which is the front surface of the eye. However, not every person with corneal arcus has a high cholesterol problem. But if your family has a history of high cholesterol, there might be a possibility that you too may suffer from this disease.
Key symptoms of corneal arcus are:
This condition is often seen in older people. But now it also affects young people below the age of 40, which increases the possibility of cardiovascular risk.
Retinal vein occlusion is a condition caused by high cholesterol, which can’t be seen with the naked eye. This happens when your vein becomes blocked and blood and fluid spill out into the retina.
The retina is a sensitive tissue found in the back of your eye. The retina gets its blood supply through a retinal vein or retinal artery. But when a vein in the retina becomes blocked due to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) associated with high cholesterol, it is called retinal vein occlusion. It can also affect your visibility as the area of the retina swells.
Key symptoms of retinal vein occlusion are:
Hollenhorst plaques
It is another sign that can be seen during a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor can clearly see small, yellowish plaques of cholesterol found in the blood vessels of the retina. Their presence can indicate an increased risk of stroke or other heart disease.
Your eyes can tell you everything about your health, such as early symptoms of high cholesterol. A small change, such as yellow spots on your eyelids, a grey ring around your cornea, or blurred vision, can be a sign of a serious health problem. So, you need to be more attentive to these signs. Addressing them early can help you prevent yourself from serious complications like heart disease or stroke.
If you notice any unusual changes in your eyes, don't ignore them. Consult with an experienced ophthalmologist today.
High cholesterol is caused by unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, genetics, and certain medical conditions.
Xanthelasma is caused by a buildup of cholesterol in the skin, often linked to high cholesterol or lipid levels in the blood.
Foods rich in saturated fats and trans fats, such as fried foods, red meat, butter, cheese, and processed snacks. These foods can increase cholesterol levels, which can cause health problems.
You can lower cholesterol by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and taking prescribed medication if needed.
