You might be surprised how much your head and face can say about your health, especially when it comes to your heart.
Although some symptoms may be mild, focusing on specific characteristics can help you spot potential heart problems before they get worse. Here are some symptoms related to your head and face that may indicate you should focus more on your heart health.
Cholesterol is deposited near the eyelids.
The development of yellowish cholesterol deposits, or xanthelasma, around the eyelids is one of the most obvious indicators that your heart may be in danger. These deposits, which are made up of natural fats such as cholesterol, are an obvious symptom of dyslipidemia, a disorder in which lipid levels in the blood are abnormal.
The danger of cholesterol accumulation on the walls of the arteries is greatly increased by dyslipidemia, which can result in reduced blood flow to the heart and other vital organs.
“This buildup can limit blood flow to the heart, brain, and other areas of the body, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease,” the doctors say. The formation of a fuzzy white, grey,y, or blue ring around the outer edges of the cornea can sometimes accompany these cholesterol deposits.
A swollen or puffy face
Sometimes a puffy or swollen face, especially around the eyes, can be a sign of underlying heart problems. Although swelling can be caused by a number of things, including allergies or lack of sleep, persistent facial swelling may indicate that your heart is not pumping blood efficiently, which can lead to fluid retention in the tissues.
This disorder, called edema, can develop when the heart has trouble pumping blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the face and lower extremities, among other areas of the body. If you experience chronic or unexplained swelling of the face, especially if it is accompanied by swelling of the feet or ankles, it may be helpful to speak to a healthcare professional.
“Fluid retention and swelling, especially in the lower parts of the body, can be early symptoms of heart failure,” doctors warn. This swelling, which indicates that the heart may not be working at its best, can sometimes appear in the face as well.
Receding hairlines and bald spots
Hair loss can be more than just a cosmetic problem, especially if it manifests as bald spots on the scalp or a receding hairline.
Male pattern baldness has been strongly associated with an increased risk of heart disease or problems in a number of studies, especially in men who already have other risk factors including high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
According to the investigators, men with high cholesterol and severe baldness on the head or crown had a nearly threefold increased risk of heart disease compared to men who had high cholesterol but were not bald. Increased levels of male hormones such as testosterone, which are associated with a higher risk of blood clotting and hardening of the arteries, may account for the link between heart disease and hair loss.
Folds of the auricle
Another less obvious sign of possible heart problems is a diagonal crease in the earlobe, commonly known as “Frank’s sign”. Earlobe folds have been linked to coronary artery disease (CAD) in a number of studies. According to one study of 340 patients, those who had a crease in their earlobe were more likely to have a more severe form of heart disease.
“The earlobe crease may identify a subgroup of patients prone to early aging and early development of coronary heart disease whose prognosis could be improved by early preventive measures,” the investigators concluded. In another study that examined the cadavers of 300 people who died of various conditions, earlobe folds were strongly associated with cardiovascular-related deaths.
The meaning of the sign
These symptoms can be an early warning that something is wrong with your cardiovascular health, but they don’t always indicate that you have heart disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is wise to speak with a healthcare professional so that they can perform a more detailed evaluation and suggest appropriate preventative measures.
“In rare cases, warning signs can appear months before an attack,” say researchers who have investigated the link between heart problems and facial features.
In conclusion
Your body often gives you subtle clues when something is wrong, and your face and head are no different. These symptoms can be significant indications that require further investigation, although they are not conclusive evidence of heart problems. To protect your heart and overall health, you can be proactive by being vigilant and seeking medical attention when you experience these symptoms.