Doctor Do Anh Tuan, from the Cardiology Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, reported that Mr. Hoa was admitted with a severely painful, purplish-black left foot and difficulty walking due to limb ischemia. Angiography revealed a complete blockage of the main artery supplying the left leg, along with narrowing of the iliac and calf arteries caused by atherosclerosis and blood clots. Blood flow to the left foot was almost entirely obstructed, leading to prolonged oxygen deprivation in the tissues and progression to necrosis.

According to doctor Tuan, Mr. Hoa's condition resulted from years of progressive atherosclerosis. He had several risk factors, including dyslipidemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes. Blood test results upon admission showed LDL-C at 160 mg/dL, significantly higher than the target for individuals with high cardiovascular risk.

Previously, Mr. Hoa had a coronary stent placed due to coronary artery disease. Doctor Tuan noted that this indicated atherosclerosis affected multiple vascular systems in his body.

As the leg necrosis was unsalvageable, Mr. Hoa underwent a limb amputation, removing the lower one-third of his left thigh. Two weeks after the surgery, his health stabilized, and he was discharged.

The medical team performing surgery on the patient. Photo: Provided by the hospital.

Master, Doctor Doan Vinh Binh, from the Medical Information Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, explained that dyslipidemia is common but often overlooked because it does not cause symptoms for an extended period. High LDL-C silently deposits in artery walls, triggering an inflammatory response and forming atherosclerotic plaques. Over time, as cholesterol accumulates, these plaques enlarge, narrowing the arterial lumen and reducing blood flow to the heart, brain, kidneys, and limbs, which can lead to myocardial infarction or stroke.

Mechanism of atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression from dyslipidemia, causing arterial narrowing, blockage, and myocardial infarction. Photo: Eco Pharmaceuticals.

Doctor Binh advises that upon detecting high cholesterol, even at mild levels, patients should adhere to medical advice and treatment. They should proactively adjust their diet, increase physical activity, manage weight, quit smoking, and control any co-existing conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. Supplementing with natural extracts like GDL-5 (Policosanol) from South American sugarcane pollen can support cholesterol management and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. Patients need regular follow-up appointments to monitor treatment effectiveness and cholesterol levels.

Dinh Dieu

*Patient's name has been changed