Hyperlipidemia is a medical
condition that is characterized by excessive amounts of fatty substances such
as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood of an individual. Hyperlipidaemia
is often also known as hyperlipoproteinemia as fatty substances are often found
attached to the proteins in the bloodstream. These increased levels of proteins
and lipids often slow down the body’s metabolic process by blocking various
veins and arteries and can be very fatal if left unchecked.
condition that is characterized by excessive amounts of fatty substances such
as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood of an individual. Hyperlipidaemia
is often also known as hyperlipoproteinemia as fatty substances are often found
attached to the proteins in the bloodstream. These increased levels of proteins
and lipids often slow down the body’s metabolic process by blocking various
veins and arteries and can be very fatal if left unchecked.
Types of hyperlipidaemia
Hyperlipidemias
are divided into primary and secondary subtypes. Primary hyperlipidemia is
usually due to genetic causes (such as a mutation in a receptor protein), while
secondary hyperlipidemia arises due to other underlying causes such as diabetes.
Lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities are common in the general population, and
are regarded as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular
disease due to their influence on atherosclerosis.
In addition, some forms may predispose to acute
pancreatitis.
are divided into primary and secondary subtypes. Primary hyperlipidemia is
usually due to genetic causes (such as a mutation in a receptor protein), while
secondary hyperlipidemia arises due to other underlying causes such as diabetes.
Lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities are common in the general population, and
are regarded as a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular
disease due to their influence on atherosclerosis.
In addition, some forms may predispose to acute
pancreatitis.
Causes of hyperlipidaemia
The prime cause for the
occurrence of hyperlipidemia is hypothyroidism, a condition in which there is
deficiency in the thyroid hormone (thyroxine) production. Thyroxine helps in
the breakdown and synthesis of proteins and lipids in the body. The deficiency
of thyroxine leads to the accumulation of the lipids and lipoproteins and
increases the probability of developing hyperlipidemia.
occurrence of hyperlipidemia is hypothyroidism, a condition in which there is
deficiency in the thyroid hormone (thyroxine) production. Thyroxine helps in
the breakdown and synthesis of proteins and lipids in the body. The deficiency
of thyroxine leads to the accumulation of the lipids and lipoproteins and
increases the probability of developing hyperlipidemia.
Other common causes of
hyperlipidemia in individuals include lack of physical movement and exercise,
obesity, diabetes and smoking.
hyperlipidemia in individuals include lack of physical movement and exercise,
obesity, diabetes and smoking.
Symptoms of hyperlipidaemia
Hyperlipidemia has no
general symptoms associated with it as it is generally detected during a blood
test. However certain signs associated with increased lipids levels in the body
include inflammation under the eyes and near the achillies tendon, which is
mainly caused due to the accumulation of cholesterol and lipids under the skin.
Other signs associated with hyperlipidemia include development of pimple-like
lesions all over the body.
general symptoms associated with it as it is generally detected during a blood
test. However certain signs associated with increased lipids levels in the body
include inflammation under the eyes and near the achillies tendon, which is
mainly caused due to the accumulation of cholesterol and lipids under the skin.
Other signs associated with hyperlipidemia include development of pimple-like
lesions all over the body.
In certain severe cases,
patients might also develop pancreatitis, a condition characterized by the
inflammation of the pancreas, which might be life threatening.
patients might also develop pancreatitis, a condition characterized by the
inflammation of the pancreas, which might be life threatening.
Heart attack and hyperlipidemia
There are various serious
health implications and hazards that are associated with increased lipoprotein
levels in the body. One of the most common risks associated with hyperlipidemia
is heart attacks and strokes. The increased lipoproteins in the bloodstream of
an individual accumulate over the arteries of the heart, constrict them and
increase the chance of a heart attack due to increased pressure on the heart.
health implications and hazards that are associated with increased lipoprotein
levels in the body. One of the most common risks associated with hyperlipidemia
is heart attacks and strokes. The increased lipoproteins in the bloodstream of
an individual accumulate over the arteries of the heart, constrict them and
increase the chance of a heart attack due to increased pressure on the heart.
Drug therapy for hyperlipidaemia
Drugs commonly known as
statins are generally used to control and treat people suffering from
hyperlipidemia. These drugs help in lowering the cholesterol and lipid levels
in the body by blocking the production of lipids in the liver. These drugs also
help in dissolving the cholesterol and lipids accumulated on the arteries of
the heart thus preventing serious health hazards such as heart attacks and
coronary heart disease.
Other common drugs that are used to treat increased lipids level include
Lipitor, Lescol and Crestor.
statins are generally used to control and treat people suffering from
hyperlipidemia. These drugs help in lowering the cholesterol and lipid levels
in the body by blocking the production of lipids in the liver. These drugs also
help in dissolving the cholesterol and lipids accumulated on the arteries of
the heart thus preventing serious health hazards such as heart attacks and
coronary heart disease.
Other common drugs that are used to treat increased lipids level include
Lipitor, Lescol and Crestor.
Prevention/management of hyperlipidaemia
Individuals can take
certain preventive measures in order to stem the development of hyperlipidemia.
Some of the most common preventive steps include maintaining a healthy and
nutritious diet, following a regular exercise regimen, and avoiding smoking and
drinking of alcoholic beverages.
certain preventive measures in order to stem the development of hyperlipidemia.
Some of the most common preventive steps include maintaining a healthy and
nutritious diet, following a regular exercise regimen, and avoiding smoking and
drinking of alcoholic beverages.
Plan a diet which is low in
cholesterol and saturated fats and live an active lifestyle. Here are some of
the main dietary management for prevention and management of hyperlipidaemia:
cholesterol and saturated fats and live an active lifestyle. Here are some of
the main dietary management for prevention and management of hyperlipidaemia:
·
Eat poultry without the skin,
fish, vegetables, most fruits, whole grains, and skim milk
Eat poultry without the skin,
fish, vegetables, most fruits, whole grains, and skim milk
·
Reduce sugar intake
Reduce sugar intake
·
Eat foods high in soluble
fiber
Eat foods high in soluble
fiber
·
Eat more cold water fish
and soy products
Eat more cold water fish
and soy products
·
Avoid saturated fats and
trans-fats
Avoid saturated fats and
trans-fats
·
Eat polyunsaturated fats in
moderation
Eat polyunsaturated fats in
moderation
·
Avoid or limit the frequency
of foods which are high cholesterol such as eggs (yolks), red meats, organ meats
(e.g. liver and heart), butter and other whole milk dairy products
Avoid or limit the frequency
of foods which are high cholesterol such as eggs (yolks), red meats, organ meats
(e.g. liver and heart), butter and other whole milk dairy products
·
If you smoke, stop; and if
you drink alcohol, drink in moderation
If you smoke, stop; and if
you drink alcohol, drink in moderation
·
Increase aerobic exercise
since it raises the HDL or “good” cholesterol
Increase aerobic exercise
since it raises the HDL or “good” cholesterol
References
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