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.
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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.
Receding Hairline and Bald Spots
Hair loss, particularly a receding hairline or bald spots at the crown of the head, might be more than just a cosmetic concern. Several studies have suggested a strong link between male-pattern baldness and an increased risk of heart problems or disease, especially in men who already have other risk factors such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
“In men with high cholesterol and severe baldness at the vertex, or crown of the head, heart disease risk was increased nearly threefold compared to men who had high cholesterol but were not bald,” according to researchers.2 The connection between hair loss and heart disease could be due to elevated levels of male hormones, such as testosterone, which are associated with an increased risk of hardening of the arteries and blood clotting.
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Earlobe Creases
Another less obvious sign of potential heart problems is a diagonal crease on your earlobe, often referred to as “Frank’s sign.” Several studies have found a significant correlation between earlobe creases and coronary artery disease (CAD). One study involving 340 patients noted that the presence of an earlobe crease was linked to a more severe form of heart disease in people showing symptoms.
“The earlobe crease may identify a subset of patients prone to early aging and to the early development of coronary artery disease, whose prognosis might be improved by early preventative measures,” the researchers wrote. In another study, researchers examined the bodies of 300 individuals who had died from various causes and found a strong association between earlobe creases and cardiovascular-related deaths.
Why These Signs Matter
The appearance of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean you have heart disease, but they can be early indicators that something is amiss with your cardiovascular health. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional who can perform further evaluations and recommend appropriate preventative measures. “In rare cases, warning signs can occur months before an attack,” note scientists who have explored the link between facial features and heart problems.
Conclusion
Your body often sends subtle signals when something isn’t right, and the signs on your face and head are no exception. While these indicators are not definitive proof of heart problems, they can serve as important clues that warrant further investigation. By staying vigilant and seeking medical advice when you notice these signs, you can take proactive steps to protect your heart and overall health.