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Xanthelasma
Over the years statins elevated my liver enzymes so a year ago I was taken off of them. I have tried to control my cholesterol with a low fat diet and take Gemfibrozil to lower triglycerides. A few weeks ago I noticed a white/yellow line on my eyelid and white patches in the corner of each eye, called Xanthelasma (lipid deposits that form around the eye due to elevated LDL). I had blood work completed and my Total Cholesterol was 274, HDL 48, Triglicerides 95 and LDL 207. My PCP tells me to just watch my diet. I have an appointment with a cardiologist who also manages cholesterol but not until the end of October. I've been monitoring my diet very closely, but know it takes time to lower LDL. More Xanthelasma seem to be appearing daily. Has anyone had this happen and how concerned should I be?
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Kam, I know nothing about this condition but would wonder if based on your observation that more Xanthelsma is appearing daily, you might want to call your cardiologist tell them the situation and ask for an earlier appointment. It would seem to me that under the circumstances, for your own peace of mind, some concession should be made by the doctor. The problem we are all having is that our questions are not being answered in a timely manner. A doctor might not think this is an immediate concern, but for those of us waiting for what seems like too long of a period questions need to be addressed sooner than later. Start calling the Drs office daily for a cancellation... be a squeaky wheel!
Thank you. That is what I have been thinking as well.
Hello @kam,
It appears your PCP is right –
Xanthelasma are cholesterol-filled plaques that develop under the skin, usually on or around the eyelids and near the nose. About half of people with this condition have elevated levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, or other blood fats. Because xanthelasma are associated with hyperlipidemia, which in turn is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, it's important to have a fasting lipid panel done.
Xanthelasma are always benign and they rarely impair vision. https://www.healthline.com/health/xanthelasma#diagnosis
Since Xanthelasma appear in most people with familial hypercholesterolemia (very high cholesterol levels), you may be interested in reading or joining these discussions:
– Familial hypercholesterolemia https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/familial-hypercholesterolemia/
– Want to control my cholesterol and triglycerides with food http://mayocl.in/2bfEmXR
– Supplements vs statins – which is more effective? http://mayocl.in/2bGBuR6
I hope @jharsh @pcspetpro @scardycat will also join the discussion.