In the medical world, cholesterol problems may be referred to as Dyslipidemia, a condition in which there are an abnormal amount of lipids in the blood (including cholesterol, triglycerides, or both). Individuals with an abnormally high level of total cholesterol, an abnormally high level of LDL (low-density lipoprotien, the bad cholesterol), or abnormally high levels of triglycerides are said to have hyperlipidemia. Individuals with abnormally low levels of HDL (the good cholesterol) are also at risk. These cholesterol problems put individuals at risk of developing atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty plaques harden arteriole walls and inhibit blood flow. Atherosclerosis, in turn, can lead to heart attacks, stroke, angina, and coronary and peripheral artery disease.
There are rarely obvious outward signs that someone is experiencing cholesterol problems, and the only way to know for certain is through a comprehensive blood test. In some instances, particularly when lipid levels in the blood are extremely elevated, the following signs of cholesterol problems may be observed.
Xanthomas
Xanthomas are fatty deposits beneath the skin that produce soft, yellowish bumps on the skin's surface. They may occur on the elbows, joints, tendons, knees, buttocks or other parts of the body. Another type of xanthoma that occurs on the eyelids is sometimes, but not necessarily, related to high cholesterol. While not contagious or harmful in and of themselves, they can be disfiguring and are a sign of a more serious underlying medical problem related to elevated blood lipids. Occasionally, xanthomas may burst (eruptive xanthomas), at which time medical attention should immediately be sought.
Changes to the Eye
Whitish, gray, or yellowish deposits around the circumference of the cornea are associated with high cholesterol. Called a corneal arcus, the ring appearing around the iris has also been shown to be related to diabetes and high blood pressure, so more extensive testing is needed to determine the underlying cause when a corneal arcus is detected.
Retinal vein occlusion may also occur, particularly when high cholesterol has progressed to the point of coronary artery disease. Retinal vein occlusion is a form of vascular disease of the eye in which there is a blockage of the blood supply from the retina. Blurred vision or loss of vision may occur as a result of the blood clot.
Spleen and Liver Enlargement
Very high triglyceride levels can cause the spleen and liver to enlarge. Palpable upon physical examination from a doctor, the enlarged organs put individuals at risk for developing pancreatitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain.
