Hyperlipidemia (Dyslipidemia) |
Hyperlipidemia is a high level of fats in the blood. These fats, called lipids, include cholesterol and triglycerides. There are five types of hyperlipidemia. The type depends on which lipid in the blood is high. If not treated, high lipids can cause heart disease, hardening of the arteries, or
stroke
.
Causes may include:
- A family history of hyperlipidemia
- A diet high in total fat, saturated fat, or cholesterol
- Obesity
-
Certain conditions, including:
-
Certain drugs, such as:
- Hormones or birth control pills
- Beta-blockers
- Some diuretics
- Cortisone drugs
-
Isotretinoin (for
acne
)
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors include:
- Advancing age
- Adult men (any age)
- Postmenopause
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Stress
- Overuse of alcohol
Hyperlipidemia usually does not cause symptoms. - Very high levels of lipids in the blood may cause fat deposits in the skin or tendons (xanthomas).
-
Extremely high levels of triglycerides in the blood can cause pain, enlargement, or swelling (inflammation) of organs such as the liver, spleen, or pancreas (
pancreatitis
).
- The most serious effect of hyperlipidemia is the obstruction of blood vessels in heart and brain.
Individuals with hyperlipidemia are at increased risk of: Hyperlipidemia is diagnosed with blood tests. These tests measure the levels of lipids in the blood. The National Cholesterol Education Program advises that adults have their blood lipids checked at least once every five years, starting at age 20.
Testing may consist of a fasting blood test for total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier testing if you have:
- Family history of hyperlipidemia.
- Risk factor or disease that may cause hyperlipidemia.
- Complication that may result from hyperlipidemia.
Diet and lifestyle changes can help treat hyperlipidemia. In some cases, a combination of diet, lifestyle changes, and medication may be required. - Eat a diet low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol
- Reduce or eliminate the amount of alcohol you drink
- Increase consumption of high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains
Get your doctor's okay before starting exercise because people with hyperlipidemia may already have hardening of the arteries or heart disease, which increase the risk of a heart attack or death while exercising. There are a number of drugs available to treat hyperlipidemia. If medication is required, talk to your doctor about your options.
To reduce your chance of getting hyperlipidemia:
- Starting at age 20, get regular blood tests for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides at least once every five years. Get tested earlier or more often if your doctor advises it.
- Eat a diet low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
- Don't smoke. If you smoke, quit.
- Drink alcohol in moderation. This means no more than two drinks per day for men or one drink per day for women.
- If you are overweight, lose weight.
- Exercise regularly. If you are unaccustomed to exercise, first check with your doctor.
- If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under tight control.
- Since some drugs may contribute to hyperlipidemia, discuss with your doctor potential side effects.
American Academy of Family Physicians
www.familydoctor.org American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/ Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
http://ww2.heartandstroke.ca Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine
. 16th ed. McGraw Hill; 2005.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information
. 17th ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc; 2000.
National Institutes of Health website. Available at:
http://www.nih.gov/
.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]March 2008 | 
