Discolored skin around the eyes may be sign of heart problems
Patients trying to improve their cardiovascular health may buy Lipitor and other statins to lower their cholesterol and reduce the clogging effects of fatty plaque in their arteries.
Patients trying to improve their cardiovascular health may buy Lipitor and other statins to lower their cholesterol and reduce the clogging effects of fatty plaque in their arteries. Individuals who are conscientious of their heart health may have a new warning sign to heed: raised, yellow patches of skin around the eyelids, also known as xanthelasmata.
Past studies characterized these yellow patches as being cholesterol deposits, but only half of patients who had them also had high cholesterol. However, new research from the University of Copenhagen suggests these patches may still portend heart problems.
Beginning in 1976, scientists enrolled more than 12,700 patients into their study and followed them through 2009. Ultimately, nearly 3,700 of them developed heart disease. Results showed that men with xanthelasmata were 12 percent more at risk for heart attack, heart disease or death within 10 years when compared to those without the discolorations around their eyelids. In women with xanthelasmata, there is an 8 percent increase in risk.
The researchers also studied arcus corneae, another condition in which cholesterol deposits create white or gray rings around the corneas. The study concluded that this condition does not predict heart problems.
Authors commenting on the study suggested that xanthelasmata may help doctors discern which patients are at higher risk for heart disease.
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