What Is Dyslipidemia?
When lipid levels in the blood are abnormal, dyslipidemia occurs. Dyslipidemia covers a wide range of conditions, the most common types of dyslipidemia are as follows:
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High levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as bad cholesterol.
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Low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), also known as good cholesterol.
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High triglyceride levels.
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High LDL and triglyceride levels.
Lipids, also known as fats, are the building blocks of life that provide energy to cells. Lipids include the following:
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LDL cholesterol is regarded as bad because it can cause plaques to form in blood vessels.
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HDL cholesterol is regarded as good because it can aid in the removal of LDL from the blood.
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Triglycerides form when calories are not burned immediately and are stored in fat cells.
Healthy blood lipid levels differ from person to person. People with high LDL and triglyceride levels, or very low HDL levels, are at a higher risk of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when hard, fatty deposits called plaques accumulate in blood vessels, making blood flow difficult. These plaques can accumulate over time and cause major circulation issues, such as heart attacks and strokes.
What Are the Causes of Primary Dyslipidemia?
A variety of behaviors can contribute to dyslipidemia. Smoking cigarettes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles lead to a diet high in trans and saturated fats. Triglyceride levels can also be raised by excessive alcohol consumption. If one or both parents have dyslipidemia a person is more likely to develop primary dyslipidemia. Another risk factor for high cholesterol is age. Women have lower LDL levels than men until menopause. LDL cholesterol levels in women begin to rise at this point.
The primary causes are single or multiple gene mutations that result in either excessive or defective clearance of triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or excessive or insufficient clearance of high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
What Are the Types of Dyslipidemia?
Dyslipidemia refers to fat blood levels that are either low or higher than the normal range. Dyslipidemia is classified as either primary or secondary. Primary dyslipidemia is a genetic disorder. Secondary dyslipidemia is a condition that develops over time. It develops due to other factors, such as obesity or diabetes.
The types of dyslipidemia are:
Primary Dyslipidemia: Primary hyperlipidemias are diverse monogenic and polygenic conditions distinguished by strong family aggregation, severe hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, early onset, and a high risk of cardiovascular events and recurrent pancreatitis. The common causes of primary dyslipidemia include:
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Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia - Familial combined hyperlipidemia is the most common inherited cause of high levels of triglyceride and high LDL cholesterol. Having familial combined hyperlipidemia, one may develop these issues in the teens or early twenties. People are also more likely to develop early coronary artery disease, which can result in a heart attack.
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Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Polygenic Hypercholesterolemia - High total cholesterol levels characterize these. The ideal total cholesterol level is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). This condition indicates that one has high levels of apolipoprotein B, a protein in LDL cholesterol.
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Familial Hyperapobetalipoproteinemia - This condition indicates that one has high levels of apolipoprotein B, a protein in LDL cholesterol.
Secondary Dyslipidemia: Secondary dyslipidemia is caused by lifestyle or medical conditions that disrupt blood lipid levels over time. The following factors commonly cause secondary dyslipidemia:
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Polycystic ovary syndrome.
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Hypothyroidism.
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Cushing syndrome.
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Alcoholism.
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Metabolic syndrome.
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Inflammatory bowel syndrome.
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Abdominal aortic aneurysm.
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Sexually transmitted disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Dyslipidemia?
Most people with dyslipidemia are unaware they have it unless it is severe. The diagnosis of dyslipidemia is done during a routine blood test or while testing for another condition. Severe or untreated dyslipidemia can lead to other health problems, such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). CAD and PAD can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks and strokes. The most common symptoms of this condition are:
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Leg pain.
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Chest pain.
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Dizziness.
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Heart palpitations.
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Cold sweats.
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Vomiting.
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Nausea.
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Heartburn.
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Indigestion.
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Tightness, pain, and pressure in the jaw, neck, shoulder, and back.
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Sleep problems.
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Fainting.
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Swelling in ankles, feet, stomach, legs, and neck veins.
These symptoms may worsen with activity or stress and improve with rest. Do consult a specialist in case the person experiences chest pain, or if any of the above symptoms are present. Anyone experiencing severe chest pain, dizziness, fainting, or breathing difficulties should seek emergency medical attention.
What Is the Treatment of Primary Dyslipidemia?
A doctor usually focuses on lowering a person's triglyceride and LDL levels. However, the course of treatment depends on the underlying causes of dyslipidemia as well as how severe the problem is. For patients with exceptionally high total cholesterol levels of at least 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood, doctors may recommend one or more lipid-modifying drugs. Statins, which inhibit cholesterol production in the liver, are commonly used to treat high cholesterol. If statins do not reduce LDL and triglyceride levels, a doctor may prescribe additional medications, such as:
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Fibrates.
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Niacin.
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Ezetimibe.
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Lomitapide.
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Alirocumab.
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Mipomersen.
Some supplements and lifestyle changes can help to encourage healthy blood lipid levels. Natural treatment includes:
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Limiting consumption of unhealthy fats found in full-fat dairy products, red meat, refined carbohydrates, chips, chocolate, and fried foods.
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Regular exercise, maintaining healthy body weight, and, if necessary, losing weight, reducing or avoiding alcohol consumption.
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Quit smoking and using other tobacco products.
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Avoid long periods of sitting, increase consumption of healthy polyunsaturated fats found in nuts, seeds, legumes, fish, whole grains, and olive oil, and take omega-3 oil as a liquid or in capsules.
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Consume sufficient dietary fiber from whole fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, get at least six to eight hours of sleep per night, and drink plenty of water.
Conclusion:
No symptoms usually accompany minor dyslipidemia. However, they can frequently manage or resolve the condition by making lifestyle changes. If people with dyslipidemia experience symptoms related to the heart or circulation, they should visit a doctor.
