A yellowish, fatty deposit that appears around the inner corners of the eyes could be a visible sign associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, according to research published in the journal Atherosclerosis.
The condition, known as xanthelasma, causes yellowish fatty deposits to develop near the skin around the eyes. While the deposits themselves are generally not considered dangerous, they can be associated with elevated cholesterol levels, which are a major risk factor for heart disease.
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 18,000 people with xanthelasma and compared them with people who did not have the condition.
The study found that people with xanthelasma had a two to three times higher risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks and strokes, compared with those without the condition.
The increased risk remained evident even after 10 years, according to the researchers.
Cardiovascular disease includes conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including heart attacks and irregular heart rhythms. High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are among the established risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The researchers said the fatty deposits associated with xanthelasma may indicate elevated cholesterol levels in the body. However, having xanthelasma does not by itself mean that a person has heart disease.
The researchers also acknowledged limitations in the study and said further research is needed to better understand the relationship between xanthelasma and cardiovascular disease.
Early identification of cardiovascular risk factors, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure, can help people and their doctors take steps to reduce the risk of serious complications.