Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia

            Dyslipidemia refers to a condition when the amount of lipids and lipoproteins in the blood is out of the normal range as shown in laboratory examination results. The most common form is hypercholesterolemia wherein the level of cholesterol is abnormally high and hypertriglyceridemia wherein the triglyceride level goes beyond the normal. Prompt recognition and management is extremely important to reduce morbidity and mortality that ensue due to cardiovascular diseases. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Causes

            Dyslipidemia is a product of several factors. Chief cause is genetic makeup. Most of those who have mutations in gene discover the condition as early as childhood. On the other hand, most adult patients acquire it secondarily. Among the top causes is sedentary lifestyle coupled with too much intake of food high in fats. Patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus are also at high risk of having abnormal lipid and lipoprotein levels. Other known secondary causes include high alcohol intake, medications like β-blockers, retinoids and glucocorticosteroids and diseases like chronic kidney disease and hypothyroidism. ^[4]

Symptoms

            The condition itself typically does not produce symptom. However, it can predispose an individual to symptomatic vascular disorders such as coronary artery disease (CAD).  Patients who have high levels of triglyceride can develop acute pancreatitis. High levels of low density lipoprotein can lead to xanthelasmas which are yellowish fat deposits usually found at the eyelid area. ^[4]

Diagnosis

            After getting the patient’s history and performing a physical examination, the suspicion of dyslipidemia is often made. Laboratory test is typically done which entails getting the serum lipid profile of the patient. Secondary causes may be determined by performing exams that obtain the levels of creatinine, fasting glucose and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).^[4]

Treatment

            Several medications are used for managing dyslipidemia such as statins (i.e. atorvastatin and pravastatin), fibrates and bile resins. Lifestyle modifications are extremely necessary. Patients should not have sedentary lifestyles therefore apposite physical activities are recommended. Healthy food habits are also highly promoted. Patients who have high triglyceride levels are encouraged to control carbohydrate intake and increase eating of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. ^[2]

References:

1.      http://www.encyclo.co.uk/define/dyslipidemia

2.      http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/722756_4

3.      http://cholesterol.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Dyslipidemia-.htm

4.      http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/endocrine_and_metabolic_disorders/lipid_disorders/dyslipidemia.html

Public Discussion