Check for your risk of heart disease in a surprising place today: your eyes. In a recent study of more than 12,000 people, researchers in Denmark found that people who had small yellow bumps on their eyelids, called xanthelasmata, were 48 percent more likely to have a heart attack over the next 30 years. These bumps are made up of cholesterol, so they can indicate problems within your arteries that may not otherwise be visible externally. If you see suspicious signs, talk to your doctor about getting your cholesterol levels tested.
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From: Ann Alka WorkingBoomet | 2/13/12 at 3:15 am
This is an interesting article. I have heart disease. It is amazing the things that I have learned since my heart attack last year. Thank you for sharing the information.
From: Kim | 2/13/12 at 10:30 am
Perhaps you should show people a photo with an example not the photo of the perfectly made up eyelid.
From: Fay | 2/13/12 at 11:58 am
It would have been helpful to show us what these little yellow bumps looked like don't you think?
From: Fay | 2/13/12 at 12:03 pm
It would have been helpful to show us what these little yellow bumps looked like don't you think?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2038092/Yellow-eyelid-marks-xanthelasma-early-warning-sign-heart-disease.html
From: marlene | 2/13/12 at 12:43 pm
Instead of showing a beautifully made up eye why not show what we are exacly supposed to be aware of? It may not be pretty , but it would be helpful or show both??
From: Evelani | 2/13/12 at 1:03 pm
I've been told my cholesterol levels are really good and yet I have had these yellow bumps in my eyes for years. Can you recommend what test I should be doing next? In the 90's my husband and I were vegans and then opted out because of our new jobs and it's demands, time was a big factor in buying, preparing our meals, so we stopped. In November of 2011 we started back up again, cholesterol levels are still good. Would love some suggestions.
From: Pamela | 2/13/12 at 2:04 pm
I agree with the others. I would like to see what the yellow bumps look like on the eyelid. Or, as Marlene says "show both".
From: Frank | 2/13/12 at 2:30 pm
Search Google images for "xanthelasmata" for excellent examples. If you want to be proactive, look into correcting your omega-3 and 6 ratios. Ought to be 1:1. Omega-3s can be found in cold water fish oil, PASTURE butter and GRASS-FED meats. Health feels good!
From: Tess | 2/13/12 at 5:21 pm
Let's round this off: 48% = 50%. So I have a 50/50 chance of getting cancer between now and my 96th birthday. The world could end, too.
From: Zaftig Diva | 2/13/12 at 5:54 pm
Even if I have xanthelasmata, the indication is that there is a 50/50 chance of a hearth attack in the next 30 years. How is this at all helpful? Perhaps, if I have not considered any other elements of cardiovascular health this will be an exciting wake-up call. Otherwise, we already have 12/12/12 to fret about.
From: hyperspak | 2/15/12 at 12:14 am
Here's the wiki entry:
"Xanthelasma (or xanthelasma palpebrarum) is a sharply demarcated yellowish deposit of cholesterol underneath the skin, usually on or around the eyelids.[1] Although not harmful or painful, these minor growths may be disfiguring and can be removed.[1] They are common in people of Asian origin and those from the Mediterranean region.
Because of the hereditary component, they may or may not indicate high blood levels of cholesterol. Where there is no family history of xanthelasmata, they usually indicate high cholesterol and may correlate with a risk of atheromatous disease.
A xanthelasma may instead be referred to as a xanthoma when becoming larger and nodular, assuming tumorous proportions.[2] Still, xanthelasma is often classified simply as a subtype of xanthoma.[3]
In September 2011, a University of Copenhagen study on almost 13,000 people found people with Xanthelasma are more likely to suffer from heart disease, to have a heart attack or die within 10 years.[4]"