Ask the Clinical Instructor: A Q&A column for those new to the cath lab

What can you tell me about Xanthelasma? Xanthelasma is a condition in which the patient has yellowish, raised spots around their eyes. This can be the result of uncontrolled hyperlipidemia, but does not necessarily have to be related to it. They can be soft or solid. This condition is rare in the United States because of the availability of treatments for lipid disorders. Why do I read about clubbing of the digits regularly? What is it and what does it mean? Clubbing is a rounded, bulbous digit. This is important to note because this is an indicator of chronic hypoxia. It can result from pulmonary fibrosis, chronic lung disease, lung cancer, congenital heart disease and infective endocarditis, among other things. It can be genetic, so be sure to put all the clues together, read the history and know the current complaints. Send your question to hrtfixr7@yahoo.com!

NULL