Warning about complications of high cholesterol: A comprehensive analysis of the risk of blindness and target management.

Cushing's Syndrome: Cortisol's role in lipid metabolism is to mobilize fat, promote the breakdown of triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids, while inhibiting fat synthesis, reducing the sensitivity of adipose tissue to insulin, and preventing glucose from entering adipocytes and being converted into fat. When there is an excess of glucocorticoids, fat is distributed centripetally, with increased subcutaneous fat in the face, neck, and trunk, and relatively less in the limbs, resulting in characteristic pathological appearances such as "moon face" and "buffalo hump." In this disease, both fat mobilization and synthesis are promoted, but the anabolism is relatively strong, leading to an increase in total fat, thus causing hyperlipidemia. About half of the patients develop atherosclerosis.

Blindness: Lesions caused by hyperlipidemia inside the eye have far more serious consequences than xanthomas in the skin or tendons. Retinal vein thrombosis caused by hyperlipidemia has even more serious consequences and is not easily detected early. High concentrations of blood lipids can activate platelets, causing them to release polyclotting factors, resulting in increased platelet aggregation and intravascular thrombosis. If a blood clot occurs in the eye, it can cause retinal vessel occlusion. Central vein occlusion can manifest as peridiscal hemorrhage and exudation, as well as retinal vein dilation. This condition can cause severe vision loss, and in the elderly, severe vision loss can lead to blindness in both eyes.

Achieving target blood lipid levels is urgent: Hypercholesterolemia is one of the most important contributing factors to cardiovascular disease. Controlling hypercholesterolemia and cutting off the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease at its source is imperative. Currently, in my country, there is a "three lows" phenomenon: low awareness, low treatment rate, and low target achievement rate among hyperlipidemia patients and even medical staff. Many people with abnormal blood lipids have never had their blood lipids checked and are unaware of their abnormality; those who know they have abnormal blood lipids have not taken treatment or have not adhered to treatment; and among those who take treatment, very few achieve their target values.

Although abnormal blood lipids are the leading cause of myocardial infarction, they can be improved through certain measures. If left untreated, they can lead to many tragedies. The World Health Organization has proposed four cornerstones of health: quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, moderate exercise, a balanced diet, and a healthy mindset. This is the most effective tool for healthy individuals to regulate blood lipids. In addition, actively preventing diseases such as hypertension and seeking medical attention promptly upon discovering problems are also essential.

Regular blood lipid checks are crucial for adults. Those with a history of long-term smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or hypertension should increase the frequency of checks. If your blood lipid levels are not within the target range, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible to develop a treatment plan.