What does the presence of fatty streaking under the skin, particularly around the eyes, indicate?

The presence of fatty streaking under the skin, especially around the eyes, is indicative of hyperlipidemia, which refers to elevated levels of lipids in the blood. This condition contributes to the development of atherogenic processes that can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Fatty streaks, also known as xanthomas, are accumulations of lipids that appear as yellowish streaks or patches on the skin, primarily due to excess cholesterol and triglycerides.

This association exists because prolonged hyperlipidemia can lead to the formation of these fatty deposits, which serve as a visible cue for assessing a patient’s lipid levels. Consequently, the identification of such streaking can prompt further investigation and management of lipid levels to reduce cardiovascular risk.

In contrast, while blood pressure, heart conditions, and diabetes mellitus each pose significant cardiovascular risks, they do not specifically correlate with the development of fatty streaks in the same manner that hyperlipidemia does.