Doctor reveals the chilling reason people are reporting the same high cholesterol symptom on their face
Xanthelasma can signal 'uncontrolled' high cholesterol, an NHS GP warns
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An NHS doctor has spoken out after a growing number of people reported the same symptom of high cholesterol on their face.
Taking to forums, netizens have expressed concerns over yellow bumps which have formed around their eyelids.
This obvious change on the face can signal "uncontrolled cholesterol", warns London-based GP and internet personality Doctor Khalid.
"You may notice slightly raised, yellowish growths around the eyes flat and these deposits not generally harmful or painful," explained on his YouTube channel.
"It can indicate uncontrolled high cholesterol,diabetes or other health problems."
Xanthelsama is the medical term for this complication.
It's most commonly found in middle-aged and older women but men can be affected too.
It's also more prevalent in people of Asian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern descent.
Those with a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol, known as familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), may be more likely to develop Xanthelasma.
In fact, many patients have revealed how this symptom has led to a diagnosis of FH.
A father and husband found out he had FH after a colleague made comment about his face.LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
A father found out he had dangerously high cholesterol after a colleague made comment about his face
Getty ImagesBryan started Googling after his work colleague noticed he had white marks under his eyes.
"I'd been aware of it but I ignored it," he told Heart UK.
After looking into what could be causing this symptom, the same two words kept on cropping up: familial hypercholesterolaemia.
A doctor confirmed Bryan's initial suspicion and he was diagnosed with FH.
FH will need treating with medicine to bring down your cholesterol levels, explains Heart UK.
How treat high cholesterol
FH will need treating with medicine to bring down your cholesterol levels, explains Heart UK.
For everyone else, high cholesterol can usually be lowered by making healthy changes to your lifestyle.
The NHS says eating less fatty food and exercising more can deal a decisive blow to high cholesterol.