Did you know that a risk of heart disease could be seen directly on your face or skin? This is not surprising in itself. Our skin being the largest organ in the body, so it is normal that it reflects your general well-being. But a detail can speak more precisely about the state of your heart.
A small plate that must question you
This detail is Dr. Karuppiah Arunachalam, cardiologist at Orlando Heart Health and Vascular Institute who quotes it in the magazine Parade. These are small yellowish deposits called xanthomas – or xanthelasmas when they appear on the eyelids. These can indeed betray an inner imbalance and, in some cases, announce an increased cardiovascular risk.
These small plates sometimes develop at the corner of the eyelids. “”These lesions are quite thin, flat, and painless. The embarrassment felt by the patient is essentially aesthetic“said Dr. Nathalie Deschamps Lefèvre, ophthalmologist surgeon in one of our articles.
The xanthelasma is the most common and the most visible. But there are other forms of xanthomas: eruptive, tuberous, tendon or plans. They can manifest themselves on the fingers, wrists, ankles, elbows or palms. In some cases, a simple biopsy confirms their nature.
Harmless in some cases, sign hypercholesterolemia in other
However, their presence is not always trivial. “”In about half of the cases, the xanthelasma is idiopathic. In the other half of the cases, these lesions can be linked to hypercholesterolemia, most often of family (hereditary) “origin”underlined the specialist. Clearly, these deposits can sometimes be the visible expression of an excess cholesterol, a well -known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Hence the importance of consulting if you notice small plates.
“A high rate of cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol) or triglycerides directly increases the risk of heart disease, as high rates can lead to an accumulation of fatty deposits called plates on arterial walls, a process called atherosclerosis”, explains Dr Angela Moore, dermatologist and associate teacher of clinical sciences at the Burnett School of Medicine (TCU) also in parade
These plates shrink and stiffen the arteries, limiting blood flow to the heart. Subsequently, people can develop diseases such as coronary disease or atherosclerous heart disease, stroke and persistent leg ulcers.
The good news is that an adapted treatment of hypercholesterolemia can prevent the appearance of new deposits and sometimes reduce those already present. This involves an active lifestyle (at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week) and an adapted diet (oat, salmon, red fruits, dark chocolate, olive oil, apples, cashews, black beans, green tea, etc.).
When the skin hides other signals from the heart
Xanthomas are not the only skin markers to watch. Specialists cite several other examples:
- A bluish discoloration of the fingers may betray cyanogenic heart disease in children;
- THE Ear lobe folds are sometimes associated with coronary arteries blockages;
- Of the red spots on the palm or under the nails may indicate an infection of the cardiac valves;
- Certain poorly controlled chronic skin diseases (psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, asshole hidradenitis) promote inflammation and therefore atherosclerosis;
- Finally, the Stase dermatitisoften visible as swelling of the legs, is a factor of risk of congestive heart failure.
Beyond heart pathologies, certain skin changes can point out another silent enemy: diabetes. “A skin that changes aspect without reason can hide diabetes. It is imperative to consult, especially in the event of intense thirst, fatigue or slow healing. Control your blood sugar, because early detection can avoid serious complications with nerves, kidneys or eyes” Recently recalled Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency artist and medical director of True Medical.
In short, faced with an unusual sign, it is better not to sweep it with a back of hand … and consult his doctor.