People that have xanthelasmata(cholesterol deposits on the eyelids) are at significant increased risk of heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, and death. After reviewing almost 13,000 patient files, researchers found that when these yellowish lesions are observed, the risk of suffering a heart attack is increased 51%, the risk of suffering ischemic heart disease was increased 40%, and the risk of death was increased 17% — when compared with individuals who did not exhibit xanthelasmata. Around 50% of the patients had cholesterol that was within the normal range, but were still at increased risk of heart disease – due to the yellowish, flat lipid plaques on their eyelids.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/AHA/23423