When something doesn't feel right in your body, it usually gives you signs — and it turns out your face can provide the clues about your heart health. While we typically think of chest pain and breathless as the predominant cardiac signs, physical signs in your face could also signal early worries.
"Your face is a mirror of your internal health," says Dr Rajeev Mehra, a Delhi-based cardiologist and preventive heart specialist. "In many situations, facial signs can be the first clinical sign of a heart disease that isn't functioning well."
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Here are six facial signs that might indicate poor heart health
Dark Under-Eye Circles and Puffiness
A single late night might lead to transient puffiness, but routinely appearing swollen or dark under-eye circles might signify bad circulation or fluid retention—and both can be signs of underlying heart problems. "When the heart isn’t functioning properly it may start pooling fluids in areas below the eye," said Dr. Mehra. This is certainly a sign to take seriously if it is accompanied by fatigue or swelling in the legs.
Blue or Grey Tinge to Lips and Face
The presence of cyanosis, bluish discoloration around the lips, nose and fingertips, could be due to low oxygen in the blood, a potential consequence of poor heart health, or decreased circulation. This condition could appear magnified in colder weather, however, if the condition persists, it may indicate an ongoing situation that could warrant immediate assessment for possible cardiovascular concerns.
Xanthelasma (Yellowish Patches on Eyelids)
If you discover small yellow patches, likely deposits that come from cholesterol deposits close to your eyelid area, you may have higher cholesterol levels (risk factor for heart disease). “Xanthelasma can be one of the first visual symptoms of lipid imbalance. This is especially true in people under 50,” said Dr. Mehra.
Loss of Facial Hair, Especially on the Eyebrows
Loss or thinning of the hair follicle on the outer edge of the eyebrows may be attributable to more than just your thyroid. Dr. Mehra reminds us, "Poor circulation to hair follicles, in this case, due to narrowed arteries, may affect the hair phases which have the chance of impaired eyebrows." While this could also be a sign of something else, it may be one of the subtler signs of poor circulation and possibly an early stage of arterial disease.
Earlobe Wrinkles (Frank's Sign)
Diagonal creases across the earlobe, otherwise known as Frank's Sign, have been associated with cardiovascular risk, particularly coronary artery disease. Though not diagnostic, several studies have established a significant association. "If you see this crease and you happen to have other cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it is best that you take a heart health check sooner versus later," states Dr. Mehra.
Pale or Greyish Complexion
If your complexion is beginning to seem unusually pale or grey—and especially if it's mainly in the face— this could indicate decreased blood flow, which can occur due to heart issues, including heart failure and anaemia related to chronic heart conditions. "Dull looking skin when fatigue and shortness of breath are present warrants a cardiac assessment," cautions Dr. Mehra.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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