Heart disease can develop without obvious symptoms, which is one reason routine health screenings are important. But a new study suggests there may also be a visible clue worth discussing with a doctor.
Researchers examined xanthelasma, a condition that causes yellowish, cholesterol rich deposits to form beneath the skin around the eyes. Their findings linked the condition with a higher risk of cardiovascular events.
The research does not establish that xanthelasma causes heart disease. Instead, it adds to evidence suggesting the skin changes could be associated with an underlying cardiovascular risk profile.
What did researchers discover?
For the study, researchers reviewed medical records involving nearly 18,000 people with xanthelasma and compared them with records from a similar number of people who did not have the condition.
People with xanthelasma had a cardiovascular event risk that was roughly two to three times higher than that of people without the lesions. These events included serious problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
The elevated association remained after 10 years of follow up. However, the study did not find a difference in overall mortality between the two groups.
Previous research has also connected xanthelasma with higher cholesterol levels and an increased likelihood of major cardiovascular events.
There are important limitations to keep in mind. The study was observational, meaning researchers examined existing health information rather than assigning participants treatments or interventions. As a result, the findings can show an association but cannot establish that xanthelasma directly causes cardiovascular disease.
The researchers also did not have complete information about whether participants had received cholesterol treatment or how long they may have been treated.
What is xanthelasma?
Xanthelasma appears as soft, yellowish patches or raised areas, typically near the inner corners of the eyelids.
The deposits contain fatty material that includes cholesterol. That connection has prompted researchers to investigate whether the condition may reflect how the body processes and stores cholesterol more broadly.
Cardiologists note that xanthelasma can occur in people with elevated cholesterol. It can also appear in people with familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition associated with very high cholesterol levels.
In some cases, a person may first learn that they have a cholesterol problem after seeing a dermatologist about these skin changes.
However, having xanthelasma does not automatically mean someone has high cholesterol or heart disease. The condition can occur even when cholesterol levels are within a typical range.
For some people, the deposits are primarily a cosmetic concern. Dermatologists can discuss removal options, although the lesions can return.
Should you be concerned about a new bump?
A new yellowish area around the eyelid deserves attention, but it does not mean a heart attack or stroke is inevitable.
Because several types of eyelid lesions can appear similar, medical evaluation can help determine whether the change is actually xanthelasma.
If xanthelasma is confirmed, a health care professional may consider checking cholesterol and other cardiovascular risk factors. Doctors may also evaluate thyroid or liver function because abnormalities involving those systems can be associated with the condition.
The study’s findings are best viewed as a possible clue rather than a diagnosis.
How can you protect your heart?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent xanthelasma from developing, and doctors say the focus should remain on overall cardiovascular health rather than trying specifically to prevent the skin condition.
That includes maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels, getting regular physical activity, avoiding smoking and following a balanced eating pattern.
Routine cholesterol testing can also help identify risks that cannot be seen from physical appearance alone.
If you notice a new or changing lesion around your eyes, bringing it up with a health care professional can help determine whether it needs treatment or additional testing.
The bottom line
Xanthelasma may be an unexpected visible clue associated with cardiovascular risk, according to recent research. But the presence of these yellowish deposits does not prove that someone has heart disease.
The study is observational and cannot establish cause and effect. Still, the finding may give people another reason to discuss cholesterol, blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors with their health care providers.
Rather than assuming a new spot or bump is a sign of serious disease, getting it properly evaluated can provide a clearer picture of what it means for your individual health.
