High cholesterol symptoms to spot when 'looking at your face', says doctor

High cholesterol can be a silent precursor to a heart attack, which is why the condition is important to be diagnosed and for steps to be taken to lower cholesterol.

Despite the condition typically presenting no symptoms, one doctor said there are two key signs that can be spotted "when looking at your face".

A blood test is often the only way to detect high cholesterol levels. Occasionally, however, visible signs of high cholesterol can appear on your face.

Doctor Gary Bartlett pointed out two specific signs that may indicate high cholesterol levels "from looking at your face".

One "obvious" sign is xanthelasma – a build-up of fatty deposits on your eyelids, said Dr Bartlett. These are "obvious yellow-looking waxy deposits of cholesterol", he explained to Express.co.uk.

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The other noticeable sign is corneal arcus. According to Dr Bartlett, these are "deposits of cholesterol seen in an 'arc-like' distribution within the iris [coloured part of your eye]".

The NHS advised: "If you have high cholesterol, a doctor or nurse will talk to you about how you can lower it." This could involve changes to your diet or medication, according to the health body.

Heart UK, a leading cholesterol charity, suggested the best approach to lowering cholesterol levels is to swap out saturated fats for unsaturated ones across your diet.

Saturated fats can typically be found in animal products such as meats, butter, dairy, and certain oils, as well as popular baked goods like cakes and biscuits.

Instead, Heart UK proposes incorporating sources of unsaturated fat like plant-based spreads and oils, oily fish, nuts, and seeds.

For a healthy balance, saturated fats should account for no more than a third of one's daily energy intake – that equates to 20g for women and 30g for men per day.

Alongside dietary changes, Heart UK emphasises the importance of regular physical activity to combat high cholesterol.

In agreement, the NHS recommended at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly – briskly walking, swimming, and cycling are excellent starting points for those new to regular exercise.