Overview

Xanthelasma, or xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP), is a harmless, yellow growth that appears on or by the corners of your eyelids next to your nose. Cholesterol deposits build up under your skin to form a xanthelasma.

Having xanthelasmas could be a sign of another condition, such as:

  • Diabetes.
  • Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol).
  • Thyroid problems.

Researchers have found that having xanthelasmas means it’s very likely that you’ll have these conditions in the future:

  • Heart disease.
  • Heart attack.
  • Atherosclerosis (even if your cholesterol levels are normal).
  • High cholesterol.

Who does xanthelasma affect?

Half of the people with xanthelasmas have high cholesterol levels. Healthcare providers usually see these levels in people with the kind of high cholesterol you get from your parents or some liver diseases.

However, the other 50% of people with xanthelasmas don’t have high cholesterol.

Risk factors for xanthelasma include being assigned female at birth or having:

  • Overweight.
  • A tobacco product habit.
  • High cholesterol.
  • Diabetes.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Family history of high cholesterol or xanthelasma.

You can get xanthelasmas between ages 20 and 70. Most people get them between ages 35 and 55.

How common is xanthelasma?

Xanthelasmas are the most common type of xanthoma (cholesterol deposits) that affect your skin. However, only about 1% of people have xanthelasmas.

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Symptoms

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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