High cholesterol results from genetic mutations affecting the body’s capacity to eliminate LDL cholesterol, often stemming from alterations in the LDL receptor gene. These mutations hinder the liver and other tissues from efficiently clearing harmful cholesterol from the bloodstream, leading to hypercholesterolemia. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approaches this condition by addressing underlying patterns through a holistic perspective rather than directly targeting the ailment.
There are several TCM patterns associated with hypercholesterolemia:
1. Spleen deficiency and dampness type:
Symptoms include bloating, nausea, vomiting, mild thirst, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, heaviness in the head and body, enlarged tongue with a white and greasy coating, and a slippery pulse.
2. Qi and blood deficiency type:
Characterised by shortness of breath, reluctance to speak, fatigue, spontaneous sweating, pale tongue, and a weak pulse.
3. Moderate phlegm obstruction type:
Symptoms comprise dizziness, headaches, chest tightness, palpitations, decreased appetite, vomiting of phlegm, heavy limbs, potential obesity or amenorrhea, a white and greasy tongue coating, and a slippery pulse.
4. Liver and kidney yin deficiency type:
Manifestations include dizziness, forgetfulness, insomnia, dry throat, hypochondriac pain, weakness and soreness in the waist and knees, tinnitus, irritability, red cheeks, and night sweats.
5. Liver and gallbladder damp-heat type:
Indications consist of flank swelling and pain, bitter taste in the mouth, decreased appetite, halitosis, nausea, bloating, irregular bowel movements, short red urine, potential scrotal eczema or testicular discomfort, vaginal discharge with a yellowish odor, vulvar itching, and a yellow and greasy tongue coating. Pulse feels stringy.
6. Liver-fire inflammatory type:
Symptoms involve dizziness, ringing in the ears, flushed face and eyes, bitter taste, dry throat, burning rib pain, irritability, insomnia or nightmares, potential vomiting with blood, constipation, red urine, a red tongue with a yellow coating, and a rough, stringy, and rapid pulse.
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