Your total serum cholesterol count is a measurement of your LDL cholesterol, known as the bad kind of cholesterol, levels of HDL, the good cholesterol, triglycerides and another lipid called Lp(a). Of particular concern is the LDL count since this is the type of cholesterol that contributes to fat deposits that constrict the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. Unfortunately, signs or symptoms of high LDL cholesterol are rare until disease becomes the end-result, which is why the American Heart Association recommends that you have your cholesterol checked regularly.
Xanthomas
Xanthoma, also known as xanthelasma, is a condition characterized by the appearance of xanthomas, which are fat deposits that accumulate in tendons or tissue. According to the MedLinePlus database provided by the National Institutes of Health, xanthomas are frequently seen in patients with high lipid profiles. These fatty deposits range in diameter, usually feel soft and look yellowish with clearly defined borders. Although xanthomas can crop up anywhere on the body, they are most commonly seen on the hands, feet, knees, elbows or the buttocks.
These growths are non-cancerous and usually painless. However, they may be a sign that your LDL cholesterol is too high. It should also be noted that xanthomas sometimes occur as a symptom of a medical condition that causes blood lipid levels to rise, such as diabetes or liver disease.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is attributed to long-term elevated levels of LDL cholesterol. All cholesterol moves through the body by hitching a ride on lipoproteins. High-density liptoproteins, or HDL, ushers cholesterol back to the liver for recycling. In contrast, low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, tend to keep cholesterol circulating in the bloodstream, where it cannot dissolve. Over time, freely circulating LDL cholesterol causes damage to the endothelium layer of the arteries, where fat deposits may form that impair the flow of blood and oxygen. Again, there may be no symptoms that this is happening until an event occurs that may seriously compromise your health. However, one clue is poor circulation in the extremities, especially in the legs and feet. If you suspect this may be the case, do not hesitate to get medical attention. If oxygen to the brain is cutoff, stroke may occur. If the heart doesn't receive enough oxygen, a heart attack may result.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia
A number of genetic metabolic disorders, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, are associated with the accumulation of LDL cholesterol in tissues and cells. Collectively, these disorders are referred to as lipid storage diseases or lysosomal storage diseases. Normally, lysosomes within cells convert lipids into fuel for energy. However, some people lack the enzymes necessary to make this conversion happen. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, typical symptoms of many lipid storage diseases include inflammation of the liver or spleen, which is usually detected by physical examination and confirmed with follow-up blood or urine tests.
MedLinePlus specifically describes familial hypercholesterolemia as an inherited defect of chromosome 19, which renders the body unable to move LDL cholesterol out of the blood. This disease, which is progressive from birth, significantly increases the risk of atheriosclerosis, heart attack and stroke. Symptoms include the appearance of xanthomas and chest pain, often from a young age.
