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Achilles Tendon Softness and Thickness in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia

Achilles Tendon Softness and Thickness in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia

Source : https://www.cureus.com/articles/107840-achilles-tendon-softness-and-thickness-in-patients-with-hypercholesterolemia

Background Hypercholesterolemia is a condition where blood levels of cholesterol are high. It is of two types: The first type is familial hypercholesterolemia, which is hereditary, and the second one is due to diseases like diabetes, thyroid, etc. Achilles tendon xanthomas are noted in both types of hypercholesterolemia, which can be used as an indicator that predicts early cardiovascular disease.


Conclusions: The thickness and softness of the Achilles tendon are positively correlated with the serum total cholesterol level. Males are the group where this correlation is most significant. As a result, men have a higher risk of developing Achilles tendon thickening than women. The thickness of the Achilles tendon can therefore be one of the early signs of high cholesterol levels. The clinician can utilize this indicator to evaluate early abnormal cardiac illness.