By FMT’s Lifestyle Desk

Pesky high cholesterol affects your health in myriad negative ways – one of which may surprise you. In most instances, cholesterol’s impact on your body has no manifestation and exhibits no symptom. The exception is a potentially-disfiguring condition known as ‘familial hypercholesterolemia’, which generally strikes people over the age of 30. This genetic disorder leaves cholesterol deposits in various areas of your body, the most common and conspicuous region being your eyelids.

Xanthelasma

Known as ‘xanthelasma’, the deposits (of varying sizes) appear as yellow markings on the eyelids – and they are not only unsightly, they are a sign of increased risk of heart attack. The bumps are made up of cholesterol and fat, and can be treated cosmetically – but the warning sign of raised cholesterol (a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease) must be heeded. They develop slowly, over a period of months or years, and cannot be removed or treated with creams, and neither will they disappear once your cholesterol level is lowered through a healthy diet or medication. The only way to remove them is through laser surgery (and don’t wait till they get huge and disfiguring).

Check your eyelids and surrounding areas in the mirror, under bright light. If you notice any xanthelasma (they are more commonly found on the upper eyelids), you should have you cardiovascular risk assessed (this takes into account factors such as age, Body Mass Index, whether you are a smoker, if you suffer from diabetes, and if you have a family history of heart attack, stroke or high blood pressure). A general checkup will allow doctors to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease, and allow you to make the necessary lifestyle changes.

Familial hypercholesterolemia

According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre in the US, this condition passes down through generations of a family, causing those who have it to experience high levels of LDL – bad cholesterol – from the moment they are born. It is the result of a defective gene which controls the removal of excess cholesterol from your bloodstream.

Xanthoma

Aside from the fatty deposits on your eyelids, cholesterol-filled bumps or lumps can also develop on your tendons or pressure areas such as elbows, knees and heels. These are known as xanthomas.

If you notice suspicious-looking yellowish bumps on your eyelids or elsewhere on your body, schedule an appointment with your GP to get things checked out – for the sake of your health and appearance.

*Based on an article published by irrepressible fitness empress, domestic diva and kinetic mommy-of-three, Shireen Yong, in www.healthfreakmommy.com.