Dyslipidemia is a condition characterized by abnormal levels of one or more
types of lipid in the blood. In developed countries, most dyslipidemias
are hyperlipidemias;
which means an elevation of lipids in the blood. This situation is often due to
unhealthy diet
and sedentary lifestyle.
Nowadays, the terms of term hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia are used indiscriminately,
but that is not scientifically correct. Hyperlipidemia means high levels of LDL
or triglycerides, meanwhile dyslipidemia can refer to levels that are either
higher or lower than the normal ranges.
With simplified words, human blood contains several types of lipid complexes, allowing lipids to
scroll the sanguine lipophilic circulation, such as high-density lipoprotein
(HDL) which is the complex responsible for transporting cholesterol and other
lipid molecules toward the liver for the catabolism, thus it is called “good
cholesterol”.
Other types transport lipids toward
organs and tissues, which may cause lipid deposits within the circulatory
system if their levels are abnormally high: the low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
very low- density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), triglycerides and Chylomicron.
If you have dyslipidemia, it generally means your LDL levels (or your
triglycerides) are too high compared to normal levels. Sometimes it can also be
associated to low HDL levels .
LDL cholesterol is considered in particular the
“bad” type of cholesterol. That’s because it can build up and form clumps or
plaques in the inner layers of the arteries know as “ Atheroma ”. If these
plaques stockpile within coronary arteries (arteries of your heart) they can
lead to imminent heart attack and sudden death.
Triglycerides on the other hand originate from the calories consumed but not
burnt immediately. Triglycerides are stored in lipocytes (fat cells) and they are
released and burnt as energy when you need it. Thus when you eat more calories
than you burn, you can get a buildup of triglycerides and gain some weight.
Elevated levels of LDL and triglyceride expose you to higher risk for heart
attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, not forgetting that low
levels of HDL cholesterol are linked as well to higher heart disease risks.
Types of dyslipidemia:
Dyslipidemia could be divided up into two main categories: primary and
secondary. Primary dyslipidemia is inherited; it is not the result of a
pathological condition. Secondary dyslipidemia is an acquired condition, which implies
its development from other causes, such as obesity, diabetes or metabolic disorders.
The causes and risk factor:
Due to the modern lifestyle mode, numerous behaviors can lead easily to
dyslipidemia. They include: regular smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and a
sedentary lifestyle, consumption of foods high in saturated fat.
Alcohol consumption contributes to higher triglyceride levels and worsens
liver’s function as a detoxifier.
If one or both of your parents have dyslipidemia or you have a rich family
history of this condition, you are at a higher risk of primary dyslipidemia.
Advancing age is considered as a risk factor for high cholesterol. Taking note
that women tend to have lower lipid levels than men until menopause due to the estrogens
functions.
Besides all that, some medical conditions may raise your dyslipidemia risk like:
type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism,
chronic kidney
disease, chronic hepatic disease and so on.
Symptoms of dyslipidemia:
As the symptoms appear when your vessels become deteriorated, you may have
dyslipidemia and never know it. Like hypertension, high levels
of cholesterol do not have obvious symptoms, this is why it often discovered
during a routine blood test.
Yet, dyslipidemia can cause cardiovascular disease, which is for most cases
symptomatic. High LDL cholesterol levels obstruct gradually the different
arteries in your body; the symptomatic consequences are coronary
artery disease (CAD), which is obstruction in the arteries of the heart, and peripheral
artery disease (PAD), which is obstruction in the arteries of the legs and other limbs. CAD is
usually revealed by chest pain and eventually a heart attack. The major sign of
PAD is leg pain that occurs during walking and it forces the patient to stop
for a while.
How is dyslipidemia diagnosed?
A routine blood test including lipid check-up that verify your LDL, HDL, and triglycerides
levels will reveal whether your levels are elevated, low, or within the healthy
range. These numbers change according you physiological state and vary also from
year to year, thus getting annual blood test is a good idea, especially if you
are exposed to a higher risk.
Could dyslipidemia be treated?
The most common medication used against dyslipidemia is a statin-based
treatment. Statins help decrease LDL levels by
interfering with cholesterol production by the liver.
There are several therapies based on statin but they all have the same mechanism.
Your doctor may as well prescribe other medications that may be taken in addition to
a statin or instead of a statin.
Do lifestyle changes matter?
Lifestyle changes have a huge impact to get your cholesterol and triglyceride
levels under control, no treatment could have effects on your high LDL levels
unless it is supported by a healthy lifestyle and positive mentality.
The first indisputable step is to think again about your diet. New changes
should exclude excessive saturated fat, refined sugar, canned food, cigarettes
and alcohol. Your new regime should add more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins,
and whole grains.
Here is crucial element in the fight against dyslipidemia: Physical
exercise, daily exercise and weight loss help a lot to improve your cholesterol
profile and revive your cardiovascular system. But before making any exercise
program, it is highly recommended to consult your doctor; he will eventually
evaluates your risk, highlights to you what you need to do and makes a physical
training scheme for the optimum results.
If you have a high risk of dyslipidemia, a family history of high cholesterol or a
chronic disease that may lead to high lipid levels, be aware and positive about
leading (and maintaining) a healthy life before your cholesterol numbers start to
move toward unhealthy levels and consequences start to build up silently.
Try to conserve a healthy weight by following a heart-healthy
diet and exercising frequently. Smoking -as we said- is an absolute no-no.
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