HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Corneal arcus as coronary artery disease risk factor.

Abstract
Corneal arcus is a lipid-rich and predominantly extracellular deposit that forms at the corneoscleral limbus. It represents the most common peripheral corneal opacity and is not associated with tissue breakdown but rather with the deposition of lipids. The deposition of cholesterol in the peripheral cornea and arterial wall are similar in that both are accelerated by elevated serum levels of atherogenic lipoproteins, such as low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Corneal arcus is more prevalent in men than in women and in Blacks than in Whites. Its prevalence increases with advancing age. It has been associated with hypercholesterolemia, xanthelasmas, alcohol, blood pressure, cigarette smoking, diabetes, age, and coronary heart disease. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether or not corneal arcus is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). The present systematic review examines the relationship of corneal arcus and CHD to determine if corneal arcus is an independent CHD risk factor. We conclude that there is no consensus that corneal arcus is an independent risk factor. The presence of corneal arcus in a young person should prompt a search for lipid abnormalities. Also, because corneal arcus represents physical evidence of early lipid deposition, its presence suggests the need for aggressive lipid therapy.
AuthorsAntonio Fernández, Alexey Sorokin, Paul D Thompson
JournalAtherosclerosis (Atherosclerosis) Vol. 193 Issue 2 Pg. 235-40 (Aug 2007) ISSN: 0021-9150 [Print] Ireland
PMID17049531 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review, Systematic Review)
Topics
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arcus Senilis (blood, etiology, physiopathology)
  • Coronary Artery Disease (etiology)
  • Dyslipidemias (complications)
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: