High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is a precursor to heart disease and usually progresses without symptoms. What makes high cholesterol extremely harmful is that it accumulates insidiously in the body. However, people with familial hypercholesterolemia may experience symptoms. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition in which you have extremely high cholesterol levels in your blood.
HORRIBLE NUMBERS OCCURRED ON HIS BODY
A case report published in BMJ Case Reports illustrates the “wide-ranging” effect that symptoms of familial hypercholesterolemia can have on the body.
During the health evaluation of a 37-year-old man, various swellings were found in the knee area. The report showed nodules with multiple cholesterol deposits suggestive of tuberous xanthomas (Xanthomas are localized lipid deposits within an organ system). Tuberous xanthomas are hard, painless, red-yellow fatty deposits that develop on pressure areas such as the knees, elbows, and heels.
LIVES SINCE CHILDHOOD
Upon further investigation, the man revealed that he had had multiple swellings in the elbow, hip, knee and ankle areas since childhood.
According to the case report, there were multiple large, lumpy, non-tender, soft or firm swellings on the knee, ankle, elbow, and small joints of the feet. He also confirmed that his older sister had similar bumps. It was stated that the unfortunate sister and brother died when their father was 30 years old. However, there is no clear information about the father’s cause of death.
The man also had a thickening and enlargement of the Achilles tendons in both legs. Furthermore, the man showed the corneal arch, also known as arcus senilis, which is characterized by cholesterol deposits forming a white or gray “arc” around the cornea. After further investigations, the patient was diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia.
ARE YOU AT RISK OF FAMILY HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA?
If your cholesterol levels are very high or you have congenital high cholesterol, you may have familial hypercholesterolemia, the experts explain. Your doctor may suspect familial hypercholesterolemia if:
- If a routine blood test shows you have high cholesterol levels
- Especially if you had a heart attack or stroke at a young age
- if other members of your family have a history of early heart disease or stroke, or
- You should see a doctor as soon as possible if other members of your family have been diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia.