According to the American Heart Association, hyperlipidemia is a condition in the human body characterized by high quantities of lipids in the blood stream. Lipids include cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids, and they move in the blood stream as part of bigger structure of molecules, called lipoproteins. While an optimal level of lipids in the blood stream is necessary, higher levels affect the metabolic processes of the body by preventing proper blood flow.
Causes
The most common causes of hyperlipidemia are unhealthy living habits, such as over-drinking, obesity or lack of physical exercise. Intake of saturated and trans fats in excess are also some of the common causes. Certain prolonged diseases like diabetes, hypothyroidism or kidney disorders can also bring about hyperlipidemia. These situations cause gene level mutations, resulting in excessive production of triglycerides and LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol in the body or under-production of HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol.
Symptoms
Hyperlipidemia does not have any symptoms that can be directly associated to it. Generally, it manifests into a disease such as heart attack or stroke. But there are certain changes in the physical appearance that might suggest hyperlipidemia. The face develops inflammations near the eyes, and around the tendons, such as the Achillies, knee or elbow tendons. There might also be pimple-like formations in some parts of the skin. Such affects are produced due to the accumulation of lipids in certain parts of the body. Severe hyperlipidemia can also cause inflammation in the pancreas, called pancreatitis, which is a life-threatening disease.
Complications
Severe hyperlipidemia could lead to several complications. The most common ones are heart attack and stroke. Heart attack is caused when the heart does not get enough supply of oxygen due to blockage in the blood vessels. This weakens the heart muscles or renders some part of it dysfunctional permanently. Stroke is caused due to insufficient blood supply to some part of the brain. Coronary heart disease is also one of the complications, wherein the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrow due to blockage in them, caused by cholesterol deposits. All of these are life-threatening diseases if proper medication and care is not taken at the earliest sign of onset.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of hyperlipidemia is made primarily on the basis of the serum lipid profile test. This test shows the precise count of the various lipids in the blood stream and, based on the guidelines for normal levels according to the age bracket, hyperlipidemia can be detected to a great degree of precision. This test gives the level of Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG), LDL and HDL cholesterol. The patient's lifestyle, health and medical history should be consulted with a doctor before performing and analyzing such a test. Medicines might interfere with the lipid movements in the blood, so it should be taken into consideration as well. Usually, it is suggested that patients fast for the test to get a clearer picture of the exact levels of lipids in the blood. With intake of food along the day, the levels tend to fluctuate.
Lifestyle Changes
Food and lifestyle changes are the most important ways to prevent hyperlipidemia. The diet should include high fiber content like leafy vegetables and should be low in fat. It is advisable not to add animal products in the diet, and to avoid smoking and alcohol. Regular exercise, especially walking, helps a great deal in keeping the lipid levels in control.
