What is it about ?
In cholesterol embolism, cholesterol crystals that were stuck inside the artery wall break off and pass into the bloodstream; they can get stuck in small blood vessels, causing a lack of oxygen where it is blocked, and therefore damage. They can also lead to a kind of inflammation that affects blood vessels all over the body (vasculitis systemic).
What is its frequency?
It is especially men aged 60 to 70 who are concerned. They have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, for example due to too high cholesterol. Cholesterol crystals can come off after an operation on the blood vessels, or when, for example, a contrast medium is injected into the vessels to see what they look like (angiogram).
People who take blood thinners are more likely to develop cholesterol embolism syndrome.
How to recognize it?
Complaints with cholesterol embolism vary widely and depend on the amount of crystals and where they are blocking a vessel.
The possible symptoms are as follows:
- Blue toes, ulcers at the end of the limbs, purplish spots or discoloration, gangrene in the small limbs;
- Hypertension, proteins or blood in urine, renal failure ;
- Sudden and temporary loss of sight, temporary failure of brain functions;
- Heart attack ;
- Intestinal bleeding, pancreatitis ;
- Muscle pain (myalgia).
How is the diagnosis made?
If the doctor suspects cholesterol embolism syndrome, he will detect certain abnormalities with a blood test. If he can analyze a small piece of affected tissue under a microscope, he will see crystals of cholesterol there.
An eye exam can also sometimes identify cholesterol crystals.
It is very difficult to recognize mild cases of cholesterol embolism.
Correct diagnosis is absolutely essential, since cholesterol embolism syndrome can look like a vasculitis systemic autoimmune. If the doctor misdiagnoses, the patient will be given medication that they do not need and that can even be potentially dangerous.
What can you do ?
At your level, there is nothing you can do about a cholesterol embolism. On the other hand, a healthy diet can help reduce a too high cholesterol. In doing so, less cholesterol crystals will stick to the arterial wall.
What can your doctor do?
There is no specific treatment for cholesterol embolism syndrome. Skin wounds should be treated, and organ damage should be repaired where possible. Treatment also includes supportive measures.
Want to know more?
- Eating and gaining years of life is possible! (video) – CSS – Superior Health Council
- The food pyramid – Eat Move – Health Question
- Eat better – Christian mutuality
- ‘Good’ and ‘bad’ fats in our diet – Christian Mutuality
- Nutri-Score – SPF Public health, food chain safety and the environment
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Find a registered dietitian – Professional Union of French-speaking dieticians
- Find a nutritionist doctor – Belgian Society of Nutritionist Doctors
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