Causes and risk factors
Hyperlipidemia is classified broadly as primary and secondary. Primary hyperlipidemia is because of genetic cause while secondary hyperlipidemia is due to some other underlying cause like diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome. Increased age, family history of hyperlipidemia, menopause, lack of exercise, diet consisting of high saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, obesity, smoking, excess alcohol consumption, medicines like OC pills are some of the predisposing factors.
Clinical presentation
Usually there are no presenting symptoms of hyperlipidemia. Sometimes it presents itself with fat nodules under skin of eyes, knees, elbows and tendons. Cholesterol are of 3 types Low density lipoprotein LDL, high density lipoprotein HDL, very low density lipoprotein VDL. HDL is good cholesterol while LDL and VDL is bad cholesterol. LDL accumulates in the walls of arteries which is taken up by macrophages forming a plaque. Plaque is made of cholesterol, cellular debris which blocks lumen of the artery. It can get dislodged forming a thrombus leading to pulmonary embolism. High ratio of LDL, VDL and triglycerides lead to cardiovascular diseases. Long lasting hyperlipidemia can cause coronary artery disease – [myocardial infarction], cerebrovascular disease [stroke] or peripheral artery disease.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Lipid profile – HDL [above 60 mg/dl], LDL [below 70mg/dl], total cholesterol [below 200mg/dl] and triglycerides [below 150 mg/dl] are the desirable levels, any values above these levels help in diagnosis of hyperlipidemia.
Treatment
Treatment mostly includes changes in daily diet like reducing intake of food containing high cholesterol [egg yolk, red meat], avoiding saturated and trans fats, increasing high fibre foods, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking. Medications like stanins are advised that will reduce synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides in liver or inhibit its intestinal absorption.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating hyperlipidemia. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating hyperlipidemia.
