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A doctor has issued a warning that a sign of high cholesterol that appears on people's faces. Dr Amir Khanexplained that these "lumps" – medically referred to as xanthomas - can crop up near the eyelids on the bony parts of our face.

Speaking to Magas, Dr Khan said: "If you've noticed new white or yellowish lumps around your eyelids, particularly around that bony part, that could be a sign of high cholesterol."

The publication further clarified that these xanthomas are fatty deposits that can develop due to an excess of cholesterol and they can also appear in areas around the knees and elbows. They added that these can serve as a signal of an imbalance in how the body is processing fats, reports Surrey Live.

This is not the first instance of Dr Khan discussing high cholesterol symptoms showing up on the face. Earlier this year, he informed Lorraine Kelly: "The face can tell you a lot about your health actually, so we'll start with the eyes.

"If you've noticed new white or yellowish lumps around your eyelid, particularly kind of [he gestured towards the eyebrows] around that bony part there, that could be a sign of raised cholesterol."

High cholesterol is a condition which typically does not present symptoms according to the NHS, but it can be detected through a straightforward blood test. Having elevated levels of cholesterol can pose a risk factor for other heart diseases such as high blood pressure.

During the winter months when we tend to indulge in richer, saltier fare, the danger of cholesterol levels shooting up becomes more pronounced. Therefore, it's crucial to counterbalance the effects of festive feasting with some health-boosting strategies.

In addition to highlighting warning signs of heart disease and elevated cholesterol, he has also elaborated on straightforward ways people can lower their risk of developing it. In a TikTok video, he revealed that one affordable kitchen staple that could benefit heart health was cinnamon.

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He explained: "The distinct smell and flavour are down to the oily part, which is very high in a compound called cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamon contains large amounts of plant antioxidants, called polyphenols. These protect our bodies from roaming free radicals, which can damage our DNA. It [cinnamon] can actually reduce inflammation within our bodies, and cinnamon has also been linked to reducing risk of heart disease."

Dr Khan added that cinnamon had been "linked to lower blood pressure" and that it was "well-known for its blood sugar lowering properties". Regarding the optimal amount of cinnamon to incorporate into daily diets, Dr Khan recommended approximately half a teaspoon.

Anyone worried about elevated cholesterol should visit the NHS website for further information.