Fatty eye deposits increase risk of heart fatality

Individuals with fatty deposits around their eyes should not turn to plastic surgery but should instead have their cholesterol checked, according to industry experts.

Heart UK is warning Brit's with fatty eye deposits (xanthelasmata) that they may have high cholesterol, which may lead to heart problems.

"Patients with fatty deposits around their eyes may be at higher risk of heart attacks and should have their cholesterol checked and risk of vascular disease assessed," explained Dr Nigel Capps, chairman of the Heart UK Medical and Scientific Research Committee.

Last month the Copenhagen City Heart Study published its investigation into the relationship between xanthelasmata and heart disease.

Researchers surveyed 12,745 individuals who had either xanthelasmata and arcus corneae but who were free of heart disease after the beginning of the study.

In a follow-up survey, 1,872 participants had a heart attack, 3,699 developed heart disease, 1,498 had a stroke, 1,815 developed cerebrovascular disease and 8,507 died.

The results showed a direct link between xanthelasmata and heart related disease and death.

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