Let's discuss in this blog the disease caused due to high cholesterol levels (Hyperlipidemia) in detail.
Hyperlipidemia is a condition in which there is excess cholesterol in the blood that may increase the chances of heart disease and stroke due to the formation of plaque in blood vessels. Lifestyle modifications can help you lower your cholesterol level and reduce the chances of heart disease and stroke, So let's discuss hyperlipidemia in detail.
Overview
What is Hyperlipidemia?
Hyperlipidemia is a disease caused by excess fat in the blood our liver produces the cholesterol that helps in digestion the cholesterol that is introduced through our diet as well the cholesterol being made in our body may lead to excess cholesterol that deposits in adipose tissue and hurt our body that affects our heart, liver etc
Cholesterol above 240mg/dl is considered unhealthy for our body as it leads to the formation of plaque in our blood vessels that increases the chances of heart attack and stroke.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) also known as Bad cholesterol is considered harmful to our body and its level as it can lead to the formation of plaque in our blood vessels that form a clot disrupt the normal blood flow and affect the overall functioning of our body There are some of the types of lipoprotein that has a different effect on our body lets discuss them one by one
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): It is known as bad cholesterol because it can clog your arteries and blood vessels which increases the chances of heart attack and stroke.
- Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL): It is also called as bad cholesterol because it carries triglycerides and its excess level can add to artery plaque.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): also known as good cholesterol because it Lowers the cholesterol level by bringing it back to your liver and clears the way for your blood to get through your blood vessels a number lower than 40 mg/dL is considered a good HDL level.
Symptoms Associated With High Cholesterol Level
Symptoms are usually observed when plaque forms due to the rapid accumulation of cholesterol and fats in your arteries that slows down your blood flow it includes
When the clot ruptures it can block the whole artery and block the blood flow to the heart and brain leading to a heart attack the symptoms are:
- Chest pain
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
It is a Medical Emergency That Requires Immediate Medical Attention.
Causes of Hyperlipidemia
Many causes lead to increased levels of Hyperlipidemia in the blood these are:
- Smoking and drinking
- Eating a lot of saturated fat or trans fat
- Sedentary Lifestyle
- Obesity or being overweight
- Inherited genes
Certain medications can also fluctuate your cholesterol levels these are:
- Beta-blockers.
- Diuretics.
- Hormonal birth control.
- Steroids.
- Antiretroviral drugs for HIV.
Certain medical conditions can also affect the cholesterol level in your blood these include:
- Liver disease.
- Pancreas disease.
- Multiple myeloma.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
- Hypothyroidism.
- Primary biliary cholangitis.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Diabetes.
- Lupus.
- Sleep apnea.
- HIV.
Diagnosis
Hyperlipidemia can be diagnosed firstly by observing the symptoms and by checking the following parameters these are:
- Medical examination.
- Medical history of a patient.
- Lab testing of cholesterol level.
- Family medical history.
- The 10-year history of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular disease.
A lipid panel test can also determine the overall cholesterol level in your blood by measuring the level of different lipoproteins including:
|
Types of Cholesterol |
Normal Level (Bio reference) |
|
Total cholesterol |
Less than 200 mg/dL |
|
Bad(LDL) cholesterol |
Less than 100 mg/dL |
|
Good(HDL) Cholesterol |
At least 60 mg/dL |
|
Triglycerides |
Less than 150 mg/dL |
Cholesterol Level Normal Range
The normal range of different types of cholesterol levels varies depending on the age, gender and health condition of a person here is the list of different lipoproteins given in the tabulated form below:
Cholesterol Level
|
Total Cholesterol |
Normal Range |
|
Less than 200 mg/dL |
Best |
|
200 mg/dL to 239 mg/dL |
Borderline high |
|
240 mg/dL and higher |
high |
HDL level
|
HDL Level |
Milligrams per deciliter(mg/dl) |
|
High level |
<60 (mg/dL) or more |
|
Normal level |
40 to 60 (mg/dL) |
|
Low level |
>40 (mg/dL) |
Triglycerides Level
|
Triglycerides level |
Milligrams per deciliter(mg/dl) |
|
Below 150 |
Normal |
|
150 - 199 |
Borderline high |
|
200 - 499 |
high |
|
<500 |
Very high |
Test Available to Diagnose the High Cholesterol Level
- hs-CRP test(High sensitivity C-reactive protein)
- Lipoprotein (a)
- Apolipoprotein B
- Coronary calcium scan
Management and Treatment of Hyperlipidemia
How Are High Cholesterol Levels in the Blood Treated?
High Cholesterol levels in the blood can be managed through certain lifestyle changes and treatment can be done by taking certain medications
The cholesterol level in the body can be improved through certain lifestyle changes these are:
- (Regular exercise): Do regular exercise as it helps in increasing HDL, improves metabolism and reduces the amount of bad cholesterol. Regularly do exercises like brisk walking, aerobic exercise or swimming which help keep your heart healthy and improve overall health.
- (Weight Management): Keep yourself active and avoid a sedentary lifestyle, eat low low-calorie diet and high-protein diet which prevents HDL from increasing. And also helps in losing weight. It also increases the amount of good cholesterol and has a positive effect on your heart health, so include such foods in your diet that help in losing weight.
- Eat a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are present in chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts and fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. They prevent plaque build-up, help improve blood vessels and reduce bad cholesterol levels, so be sure to include them in your diet as omega-3 fatty acids improve your heart health and prevent stroke and heart attacks.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol consumption: Avoid bad habits like smoking, drinking alcohol and consuming tobacco as it increases the level of bad cholesterol in your body and reduces HDL.
Medications used to treat high Cholesterol levels
Cholesterol levels in the body can be controlled by taking statins that lower the bad cholesterol level in the blood in other situations your doctor may refer you to other medicines if
- you need medicines other than statins
- you have a genetic disease like familial hypercholesterolemia, that makes the LDL cholesterol level high.
Choose the top Diagnostic centre in Delhi
Ganesh Diagnostic is one of the most reputed and reputed diagnostic centres located in Delhi which provides a 24*7*365-day facility, all the test results here are 100% accurate so that patients get the best and right treatment to recover easily. Avail of the online appointment opportunity now.
We also provide free blood sample collection and cholesterol tests at home. Get tested at the best diagnostic centre with Ganesh Diagnostics.
Conclusion
Hyperlipidemia is a potentially dangerous condition that has severe effects on our bodies as high levels of cholesterol in our body can increase the chances of heart attack and stroke, to avoid this adopt a good healthy lifestyle that can naturally lower your cholesterol level and if you want to know your cholesterol level get tested and treated well from the top diagnostic centre near you.
FAQs
What Can I Expect During Hyperlipidemia?
You can adopt a good and healthy lifestyle that naturally lowers your blood cholesterol level and in other conditions, you may take certain medications that lower cholesterol levels take suggestions from your doctor and get treated well
What Are the Effects of Hyperlipidemia?
This condition can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke if not diagnosed and treated early, Improve your lifestyle will help manage this condition.
How to Manage the Hyperlipidemia
- Regular Exercise.
- Stop smoking and drinking.
- Get quality sleep.
- Manage your stress level.
- Eat healthier foods.
- Maintain healthy body weight
