Hyperlipidemia
Definition |
Causes |
Risk Factors |
Symptoms |
Diagnosis |
Treatment |
Prevention |
Organizations
Definition
Hyperlipidemia is an abnormally high level of fatty substances called lipids in the blood. Lipids include cholesterol and triglycerides. There are five primary 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
Causes may include:
- A family history of hyperlipidemia
- A diet high in total fat, saturated fat, or cholesterol
- Obesity
- Certain conditions, including:
|
| - Diabetes
- Low thyroid
- Kidney problems
- Liver disease
- Cushing's syndrome
|
- Certain drugs, such as
|
| - Hormones or birth control pills
- Beta-blockers
- Some diuretics
- Cortisone drugs
- Isotretinoin (for acne)
|
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
- Advancing age
- Sex: Male
- Lack of exercise
- Smoking
- Stress
- Overuse of alcohol
Symptoms
Hyperlipidemia usually does not cause symptoms. Very high levels of lipids in the blood may cause fat deposits in the skin or tendons. Extremely high levels of triglycerides in the blood can cause pain or enlargement of abdominal organs such as the liver, spleen, or pancreas.
Diagnosis
Hyperlipidemia is diagnosed with blood tests that 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 for reasons such as:
- You have a family history of hyperlipidemia
- You have a risk factor or disease that may cause hyperlipidemia
- You have a complication that may result from hyperlipidemia
Treatment
Diet and lifestyle changes can help treat hyperlipidemia. A combination of diet and lifestyle changes and medication may be required.
Diet Changes
|
| 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. |
Lifestyle Changes
|
| If you are overweight, lose weight.If you smoke, quit.Exercise regularly. 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. |
Medications
There are a number of hyperlipidemia drugs available.
Prevention
To reduce your chance of getting hyperlipidemia:
- Starting at age 20, get regular blood tests for total, HDL, and 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 2 drinks per day for men or 1 drink per day for women.
- If you are overweight, lose weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under tight control.
- Discuss potential side effects of any medications you take with your doctor.
Organizations
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org
SOURCES:
The Merck Manual of Medical Information, 17th ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc, 2000.
National Institutes of Health
September 2001
