Let’s be real: When it comes to detecting heart disease risk, you probably aren’t checking your skin first. And why would you? Skin health and heart health are unrelated, right?
Not quite, doctors say. “Your skin is the largest organ in the body, which is a reflection of your systemic wellness,” explains Dr. Karuppiah “Kar” Arunachalam, MD, a board-certified cardiovascular disease specialist with the Orlando Heart Health and Vascular Institute.
Ahead, he and a dermatologist share the specific tie between a particular skin change and how it could signal heart disease.
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This Surprising Skin Change May Signal Heart Disease
One way in which your skin and your heart health are connected is that your skin can have “deposits” called “xanthomas,” which look like yellowish to orangish skin bumps. They can be a sign of high cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
In fact, cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for heart disease, though a simple blood test is gaining popularity as the key predictor.
“High cholesterol or high LDL (bad) cholesterol or high triglycerides directly increases your risk of heart disease because high levels of these can lead to a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque on artery walls, a process known as atherosclerosis,” explains Dr. Angela Moore, MD, a dermatologist and the associate professor of clinical sciences at Burnett School of Medicine at TCU. “This plaque narrows and hardens arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.”
Related: High Cholesterol Isn’t Always a Sign for Alarm—Here’s Why, According to Cardiologists
But back to xanthomas. “Xanthomas are associated with familial hyperlipidemia (genetically related to high cholesterol levels in the blood),” Dr. Arunachalam says. “Subsequently, people can develop conditions such as coronary artery disease or atherosclerotic heart disease, stroke and non-healing leg ulcers.”
There are various kinds of xanthomas too, doctors say. Xanthelasma is the most common; it’s found around the eyelids and is either benign or a sign of high cholesterol. Other types include eruptive xanthomas, tuberous xanthomas, tendinous xanthomas and plane xanthomas. Depending on which one we’re talking about, they can appear on your elbow, palm, joints, tendons, hands or feet.
Not sure if you’re looking at that or something different? You can get a biopsy to rule out skin lesions, Dr. Arunachalam explains, but usually, an experienced clinician and dermatologist will be able to identify the deposit.
Related: The Common Issue for People Over 50 That’s a Surprising Sign of Heart Disease
Then, treating the high cholesterol (if present) can prevent new xanthomas and may reduce existing ones, Dr. Moore adds.
Ways to lower cholesterol include fitting in 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week and eating foods that lower cholesterol, such as oats, salmon, raspberries, dark chocolate, carrots, whole grain bread, extra virgin olive oil, apples, cashews, black beans, green tea and more.
Other Skin Changes That May Be Linked to Heart Disease
It’s important to note that xanthomas aren’t the only skin change that can point to a heart issue. Doctors share more examples:
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Bluish discoloration of the finger skin is suspicious for cyanotic heart disease in children
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Earlobe creases are associated with atherosclerotic heart disease, or cholesterol blockages, of the heart’s blood vessels
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Red spots in the palm, side of the hand and fingernails are associated with infection of the heart valves
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Poorly controlled skin conditions, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or hidradenitis suppurativa, can increase chronic inflammation, which promotes atherosclerosis
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Stasis dermatitis, AKA lower leg swelling, is a risk factor for heart disease, particularly congestive heart failure
Related: The One Thing Dermatologists Say You Should Never, Ever Do
Generally speaking, Dr. Arunachalam emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention when you see any changes in your skin. “Timely diagnosis would help in preventing complications related to high cholesterol,” he says.
Dr. Moore agrees. “If you are unsure about a persistent or non-healing lesion or swelling, you may need to see your physician or dermatologist to confirm that it is not a sign of inflammation or a more systemic problem,” she explains.
As we’ve seen here, sometimes skin problems are more than that—they can be a sign of a life-threatening heart condition too.
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This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the Health & Wellness section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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