Your liver plays an important role in regulating the amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream. A healthy liver manufactures between 700 and 900 mg of cholesterol each day, according to Iowa State University Extension. Cirrhosis is a liver condition that can affect the way your body manufactures and processes cholesterol.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of lipid, or fat. This substance is a necessary component of life and health. Cholesterol plays an important role in helping your body produce steroid hormones, vitamin D and bile acids necessary for digestion. Your liver relies on the presence of fats, proteins and carbohydrates to produce cholesterol. Food also provides a source of dietary cholesterol.
Cirrhosis
In addition to producing cholesterol, your liver is responsible for forming bile acids, the substance that helps digest fat in your intestines. Healthy bodies excrete about 1,000 to 1,400 mg of cholesterol each day. Cirrhosis occurs when scar tissue damages your liver and affects the way this organ functions. This scar tissue can alter the production of cholesterol and block the flow of bile and blood. Cirrhosis of the liver can increase your risk of cholesterol deposits, also called xanthomas. When this occurs, the amount of cholesterol in your blood tends to increase. This condition can cause the formation of fatty deposits in the skin along the creases of your palms, elbows and knees, as well as in the skin surrounding your eyes.
Symptoms
Cholesterol deposits are a common symptom of advanced cirrhosis of the liver. Other symptoms of advanced cirrhosis may include hyperpigmentation that causes blotchy patches on your skin, edema in your feet and abdomen, jaundice and digestive problems, such as diarrhea and odorous stools.
Considerations
Although certain medical conditions and hereditary factors can cause cirrhosis of the liver, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol on a regular basis can increase your risk of liver damage. Medications and exposure to toxic substances may also lead to an increased risk of reduced liver function and liver scarring. Cirrhosis is a serious health condition that requires medical treatment. Contact your doctor if you experience early symptoms of liver disease, such as fatigue, itching or dry eyes and dry mouth.
