Cholesterol and the Skin (Hypercholesterolemia) – Introduction (for professionals)

• Hypercholesterolemia is the presence of high amounts of cholesterol in the blood; in the USA alone, 70 million individuals are affected.
• It is a risk factor for heart conditions such as myocardial infection.
• Causes are genetic, dietary, endocrinological (hypothyroidism, diabetes)…
• There are different types of circulating derivatives of cholesterol:

1. HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) also known as good cholesterol
2. LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) also known as bad cholesterol.
3. VLDL (Very Low Density Lipoprotein). VLDL consitutes half of triglyceride levels in the blood.

• Treatment consists of drugs lowering cholesterol levels (Statins=HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) as well as adaptating diet and other cardiovascular risk factors (Hypertension, Diabetes, Smoking, Obesity…)

• Manifestations can be seen in a Dermatology setting.

Source of information: here