Cholesterol is a fatty molecule (lipid or waxy1) essential for the proper functioning of the body. It plays a role in constructing the cell membrane and the manufacture of hormones such as sex hormones. Today we will talk about cholesterol symptoms on the skin.
However, the excess of cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia is very common nowadays. But, that can be dangerous in the long term because there can be the formation of clots. It will obstruct the arteries and cause serious cardiovascular disease. You can’t feel any symptoms in the short term. The risk is usually medium or long-term. That makes it a disease regularly monitored by your doctor with blood tests (lipid profile). To summarize, excess cholesterol can cause complications and is not present in optimal quantities. Everything is a question of balance.
What are the symptoms of cholesterol on the skin?
When the cholesterol increases, many times, orange peel appears on the skin. Not like a normal rash. Feels a bit yellowish. This type of swelling you can notice especially above the eyes.
Many times swelling like wax appears in different parts of the body. Many people may think of allergies when they see such spots on the hands or neck. But it is not. As you get closer, it becomes clear that there is an oily feeling in it.
In many cases, redness suddenly appears on the skin for a few days. But don’t worry, you can cure it in a few days. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, A-O is a sign of high cholesterol.
Symptoms of high cholesterol
A person with hypercholesterolemia has no symptoms for many years until the cholesterol deposit in the blood arteries is large enough to block them and cause complications that can be fatal or very debilitating. Having no symptoms of high cholesterol can make it more difficult to start treatment because the person does not know they are sick.
The diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia is often made incidentally during a general medical check-up. Depending on the location of the atherosclerotic plaques (deposition of cholesterol and white blood cells), the symptoms will be different, as they will depend on the organ affected. Thus, when the heart’s arteries are blocked (coronary arteries), the patient will feel tightness in the chest, called angina pectoris or angina. The main complication when the coronary arteries affect. An occurrence of myocardial infarction (cardiac arrest).
When the arteries of the affected brain, one can suffer from cerebrovascular accidents. Mental confusion arises, which can follow by unconsciousness and death. When the arteries of the affected kidneys, patients present with hypertension. And, in the long run, renal failure, which is very painful to treat. Because they will have to dialyze (this treatment is painful and very expensive) while waiting to receive a kidney transplant.
In people with familial hyperlipidemia, symptoms may be more severe, as their blood cholesterol levels may be 2 to 8 times higher than normal. However, the deposit is also made over many years. Thus, the symptoms will also take a few years to appear. Symptoms may appear as follows:
– Xanthomas (small yellowish nodules made from cholesterol deposits) on the skin
– Xanthelasma (yellowish spots on the eyelids)
– Yellow circle around the iris of the eye
What are LDL and HDL?
There are 3 types of lipoproteins classified according to their density: VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein), LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), and HDL(High-Density Lipoprotein). It is especially the last two that play a clinically important role. LDL also called “bad cholesterol,” is a lipoprotein that carries cholesterol to the tissues. It can be responsible for blocking the arteries and leading to atherosclerosis. Some sources speak of 5 different lipoproteins. It is still necessary to add the chylomicrons (mainly in the lymph) and intermediate-density lipoproteins. VLDL and chylomicrons compose of triglycerides in large quantities, apolipoproteins, and cholesterol. LDL also contains triglycerides but in smaller or very small quantities and apolipoproteins, and especially cholesterol.
On the other hand, HDL also called “good cholesterol,” is a lipoprotein that brings cholesterol back to the liver. If your HDL value is high and your LDL is low, your blood count is optimal. In the other cases of figures, it will certainly be necessary to undertake a treatment.
However, according to a study from the University of Maryland published May 10, 2016, in the journal.
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes u n high HDL, taken independently of LDL values and triglycerides (TG), does not seem to predict cardiovascular risk reduction systematically. This study, which analyzed cohort data from more than 3,500 people collected over about 25 years. It suggests that LDL and TG measurements are more important than HDL measurement alone for assessing heart risk.
Overrated Triglycerides
- Triglycerides are a type of fat with blood cholesterol. When we eat, the body converts any calories the body does not need into triglycerides. These are store in the body’s fat cells and release into the bloodstream, especially between meals.
- If triglycerides are present in the blood at too high a level (hypertriglyceridemia), an increased risk of heart disease (including stroke) is possible.
Atherosclerosis is obstruction by an oxidative mechanism of the arteries. It favors bad cholesterol or LDL. The main consequences can be a heart attack or stroke.
Other information on cholesterol:
Cholesterol is a vital substance for the organism. Here are some examples: it gives structure to the cell by placing itself in the cell membrane, intervenes in the synthesis of many hormones (cortisone, hormones sexual), plays a role in the digestion of fats (in the bile), in the construction of bones ( vitamin D ), etc.
Cholesterol can produce by our cells (80%). We are talking about the endogenous metabolic pathway. Most of this production takes place in the liver. This metabolic route can produce up to 2 grams per day. But cholesterol can also be provided by food in the principle of animal origin (at 20%). We speak of the exogenous route.
Thus, when too much cholesterol supply through food, there is easily an excess of cholesterol because there is an addition to the endogenous route. Already in the majority at 80%, which ultimately causes cardiovascular complications.
Cholesterol bind to plasma proteins which are transport proteins. It circulates in the cardiovascular system like the blood. Cholesterol must transport because it is not soluble in the blood.
Causes of high cholesterol
The causes of excess cholesterol or high cholesterol (especially LDL) can be cholesterol causes- Hereditary or genetic causes. The body naturally secretes too much cholesterol. When the cholesterol level is too high due to excessive endogenous production, it is familial hyperlipidemia. It is due to the transmission of an altered gene. This gene can be transmitted by one or both parents.
Suppose the gene is passed on by only one of the parents. The cholesterol level maybe 2 to 3 times higher than normal. On the other hand, when both parents cause the transmission of familial hyperlipidemia, the cholesterol level can be increased by 6 times.
Diet (eating too much saturated fat): Fat is important for the body by providing its energy to function properly. On the other hand, an excess of fat promotes deposits and the appearance of atherosclerosis.
We differentiate between saturated fat and unsaturated fat. Saturated fat is mostly found in animal fat and raises LDL cholesterol (called bad cholesterol). That is not the case with unsaturated fats found in vegetable fats. The latter are low in LDL cholesterol and high in HDL cholesterol (also called good cholesterol).
Lifestyle factors: excess weight and especially obesity, hypertension, lack of exercise, stress, smoking, diabetes, etc. Multifactorial: set of genetic and lifestyle factors.
Conclusion on Cholesterol symptoms on the skin
People with hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol) are Persons with one or more parents suffering from familial hyperlipidemia. Familiar hyperlipidemia is a genetic disorder causing endogenous production of too high cholesterol by a factor of 2 to 8 times higher than the normal blood cholesterol level.
A person who consumes a lot of animal fats at the expense of vegetable fat. It contains more saturated fats, increasing the level of cholesterol in the blood and risking clogging the arteries. It is important to know the concept of hidden fats which are the fats in food and which one does not suspect a large amount of fat.
We are talking about cold meats, particularly prepared dishes containing sauces, fries, crisps, and peanuts. For example, let’s mention that a 200g packet of peanuts contains 18 teaspoons of hidden fat or about 90 grams of fat. However, the daily fat requirement for an adult is around 60 to 70 grams. We see here that the need is largely exceeded. We go into excess, so in the accumulation of fat, which can be harmful to the body.
FAQ on Cholesterol symptoms on the skin
What are the symptoms of cholesterol?
Globally, the combination of the possible symptoms of a cardiac, cardiovascular disease implies an excuse of cholesterol concentrations in its subunits:
pain in the calves,
chest pain with a feeling of tightness,
nausea, dizziness
fever, headache,
shortness of breath, palpitations
What is the cause of cholesterol?
Symptoms of cholesterol in the skin
Dietary factors in the skin: A too rich in cholesterol diet and fats are known as saturated fats from animals. Certain fatty meats of milk and derivatives influence the rate of direct cholesterol.
How do you know if it is good or bad for you?
The ideal way to make an infusion of 2 g / l.
However, a normal HDL cholesterol level is between 040 and 060 to g / l. The concentration of LDL- cholesterol does not exceed itself between 1 and 1.60 g / l.
What is the difference between cholesterol and triglycerides?
In cholesterol, LDL is therefore bad cholesterol, especially when it oxidizes. The triglycerides are a form of lipids, also known as cholesterol: they are composed of glycol molecules and acids and are stored in the adipose tissue.
