Dyslipidemia
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Dyslipidemia is a disorder of lipoprotein metabolism, which can include both the overproduction and deficiency of lipoprotein. Dyslipidemia can manifest as the elevation of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, or both. It can also be manifested by the elevation of “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and the decrease of “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the blood.
In Western societies, most cases of dyslipidemia are instances of hyperlipidemia, which is caused by an elevation of lipids in the blood. Hyperlipidemia often results from dietary and lifestyle choices. However, the causes of dyslipidemia can be genetic or secondary. Dyslipidemia is diagnosed by measuring the plasma levels of total cholesterol. Routine measurements that can help to diagnose dyslipidemia include total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol measurements.
Primary and Secondary Causes of Dyslipidemia
Primary causes of dyslipidemia are single or multiple gene mutations that lead to the overproduction of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol or the underproduction or excessive clearance of HDL cholesterol. The majority of cases of dyslipidemia in adults are not caused by primary disorders.
The most common secondary cause of dyslipidemia in adults is a sedentary lifestyle coupled with excessive intake of saturated fat, cholesterol, and trans fats. Other secondary causes of dyslipidemia include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, overuse of alcohol, and chronic kidney disease.
Symptoms of Dyslipidemia
Although dyslipidemia usually doesn’t cause symptoms, it can lead to symptomatic vascular disease, which includes coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral arterial disease. Those with a high concentration of LDL in their blood can experience symptoms such as eyelid xanthelasmas (flat yellow or white growths on the upper eyelid) and arcus corneae (an abnormal white or gray opaque ring at the outer edge of the cornea). Severe elevations of triglycerides can lead to the formation of eruptive xanthomas (yellow, soft, and slightly raised bumps) over the hands, knees, back, elbows, etc.
Dyslipidemia is linked to many diseases like heart disorders, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The latest research shows that dyslipidemia is also linked to erectile dysfunction. According to research, 20% of men who suffer from erectile dysfunction have dyslipidemia.
Treatment of Dyslipidemia
Treatment of dyslipidemia is indicated for all patients who have cardiovascular disease and for some without. Treatment of dyslipidemia focuses primarily on reducing high levels of LDL cholesterol and secondarily on treating high levels of triglycerides, low levels of HDL cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome.
High-risk patients with dyslipidemia must start medication immediately and make lifestyle changes. Smokers with CAD can lower the risk of mortality by 36% if they quit smoking. Moderate-risk and low-risk patients must make lifestyle modifications as the first intervention. Important lifestyle modifications include exercising moderately for at least thirty minutes a day and reducing simple sugars, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and trans fats in the diet while increasing the intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as the proportion of mono and poly-unsaturated fats.