Have you noticed yellowish deposits around your eyelids? These, known as xanthelasma, are more than just a cosmetic concern. They’re often a sign of high cholesterol levels, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Xanthelasma are composed of cholesterol and other fats that build up under the skin. They can appear as small, flat, yellowish plaques or bumps around the eyelids, particularly the inner corners. While they are generally harmless, they can be a sign of dyslipidemia, a condition where your blood has abnormal lipid levels.
Dyslipidemia significantly increases the risk of cholesterol building up on the walls of your arteries, potentially leading to restricted blood flow to vital organs, including the heart. This buildup can restrict blood flow to the heart, brain, and other areas of the body, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease.
