Cardiovascular disease risks and early warning signs highlighted

Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of mortality globally. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health reports that cardiovascular diseases account for 400,000 deaths annually, representing 31% of all deaths in the country. Beyond mortality, the Brazilian Society of Cardiology notes that 14 million Brazilians live with cardiovascular conditions, often facing long-term physical, emotional, and social challenges following a heart attack.

In the United States, cardiovascular disease is responsible for more deaths than cancer and accidents combined, accounting for over a quarter of all deaths in 2023. New research published in the journal Atherosclerosis suggests that xanthelasma—yellow cholesterol deposits near the eyes—may serve as a visible early warning sign. While the immediate percentage of patients with these patches experiencing an event is low, the study of nearly 18,000 individuals found that the risk of major cardio-cerebrovascular events increases over time for those with these visible signs compared to those without.