Your face and head can reveal more about your health than you might think, especially when it comes to your heart. While some of the signs might be subtle, paying attention to certain features could help you identify potential heart problems before they become serious. Here are some facial and head-related indicators that could suggest you need to pay more attention to your heart health.

Cholesterol Deposits Around the Eyelids

One of the most telling signs that your heart might be at risk is the appearance of yellowish cholesterol deposits around your eyelids, known as xanthelasma. These deposits are composed of natural fats, including cholesterol, and are a clear indication of abnormal lipid levels in the blood, a condition known as dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia significantly increases the risk of cholesterol building up on the walls of your arteries, potentially leading to restricted blood flow to vital organs, including the heart.

“This buildup can restrict blood flow to the heart, brain, and other areas of the body, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease,” explain health experts.¹ In some cases, these cholesterol deposits can also be accompanied by a condition known as corneal arcus, where cholesterol deposits create a hazy white, grey, or blue ring around the outer edges of the cornea.

Puffy or Swollen Face

A puffy or swollen face, especially around the eyes, can sometimes be an indicator of underlying heart problems. While puffiness can result from a variety of causes, such as allergies or lack of sleep, persistent facial swelling may be a sign that your heart is not pumping blood effectively, leading to fluid retention in the tissues.

This condition, known as edema, can occur when the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, causing fluid to accumulate in various parts of the body, including the face and lower extremities. If you notice unexplained or persistent puffiness in your face, particularly when accompanied by swelling in the legs or ankles, it could be worth discussing with a healthcare provider.

“Fluid retention and swelling, especially in the lower parts of the body, can be early signs of heart failure,” health experts warn. This swelling can sometimes manifest in the face as well, signaling that the heart may not be functioning optimally.

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