A Warning Sign of Heart Attack And Stroke May Show Up on Your Face
This could save lives.
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Researchers have identified a potential facial indicator that could help detect early signs of heart disease and stroke risk. A condition called xanthelasma, characterized by yellowish, swollen patches around the eyes, may signal underlying cardiovascular problems before serious medical events occur. These patches form when immune cells become saturated with cholesterol and fatty substances, often reflecting higher blood cholesterol levels that contribute to arterial blockages.
A Stanford University study examined medical records from nearly 36,000 individuals, comparing those with xanthelasma to matched control subjects. Within the first year, patients with the eye patches experienced heart attacks at nearly three times the rate of controls, while stroke rates were more than triple. This elevated risk persisted over a decade, though the gap gradually narrowed. Notably, the increased cardiovascular danger appeared regardless of whether patients had abnormally high blood fat levels, suggesting multiple underlying factors at work.
The findings suggest xanthelasma could serve as an accessible screening tool for cardiovascular disease. Most patients currently seek treatment from dermatologists for cosmetic reasons, often unaware they may have undiagnosed heart health issues. Researchers recommend that individuals displaying these eye patches receive early cardiovascular evaluation and potential preventive interventions, including lifestyle modifications and medications, potentially averting future cardiac events.
Future studies may clarify the mechanisms linking xanthelasma to heart disease and stroke, ultimately advancing understanding of how these serious conditions develop in affected populations.
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Originally reported by Sciencealert →
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