An embolism occurs when material travels from one part of the body through the blood stream to another part of the body. When this material reaches blood vessels too small for it to pass through, it can block the blood supply through that vessel and the tissues or organs it supplies. This can lead to cell death and organ damage. High cholesterol levels is a risk factor for developing an embolus.
Cholesterol Embolism
Cholesterol is fatty substance that is found in foods and made by your body. It travels through the blood to all the cells in your body. Cholesterol can slowly build up on the walls of your blood vessels and eventually become plaque. Your blood vessels become hardened in the presence of plaque instead of being elastic and flexible. This effect of cholesterol is called atherosclerosis. When pieces of plaque break off and travel in the blood stream, they become known as cholesterol emboli. They get transported to different parts of the body where they can block blood supply to organs and cause cholesterol embolism syndrome.
Effects
Signs and symptoms of cholesterol embolism depends on which organ is affected. Fever and weight loss are general symptoms of this condition. When the kidneys are affected, kidney failure can occur, with signs such as low urine production and swelling in the body. Cholesterol embolism in the legs can result in gangrene of the toes, where there is black discoloration of the toes and other parts of the feet that are deprived of blood flow. The heart, nervous system, skin and digestive system can also be affected by cholesterol embolism along with other parts of your body.
Risk Factors
Several factors can put you at risk for cholesterol embolism. High blood cholesterol can put you at risk for this syndrome, since it can lead to atherosclerosis. The formation of plaque in atherosclerosis can cause cholesterol embolism. Invasive procedures that involve the heart and blood vessels can also put you at risk for cholesterol embolism, in addition to taking anticoagulant or thrombolytic drugs.
Treatment
Medical treatment for cholesterol embolism is determined by the organs that are affected and their associated symptoms. If respiratory distress is involved, mechanical ventilation may be needed. If the kidneys are affected, dialysis may be required to treat symptoms of kidney failure. Surgical procedures to the heart and blood vessels may be discontinued, if they are contributing factors to cholesterol embolism. The symptoms of cholesterol embolism are treated and not cholesterol embolism itself.
Prevention
The risk for cholesterol embolism may be reduced by addressing factors that may cause it. High cholesterol levels can be reduced through a healthy diet that includes low fat foods, fiber, fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods to name a few. Self monitoring is also necessary to prevent future episodes if you have already had cholesterol embolism. Seek medical treatment right away if you notice any symptoms of this condition.
