Dyslipidemia is a medical condition where there are abnormal blood levels of lipids such as cholesterol or triglycerides. It can be diagnosed with blood tests and treated with medication and lifestyle changes. Risk factors include age, gender, obesity, inactivity, diet, smoking, and certain medications. Lifestyle changes such as exercise and dietary changes are recommended.
Dyslipidemia is a medical condition that occurs in people who have abnormal blood levels of lipids such as cholesterol or triglycerides. This condition can include high blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high blood levels of triglycerides, or low blood levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Doctors typically diagnose this medical condition with blood tests that measure the amount of lipids in the blood. People with abnormal blood lipid levels may experience some symptoms, but in many cases this condition develops without symptoms. Doctors generally treat patients with dyslipidemia with medications and lifestyle change recommendations.
Doctors usually diagnose cases of dyslipidemia with the help of various blood lipid tests. Patients typically have elevated low-density lipoprotein blood levels if they have more than 100 milligrams of LDL per deciliter of blood. High triglyceride levels usually occur when blood levels of triglycerides are above 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood. Low levels of high-density lipoproteins can develop in cases of dyslipidemia where people have less than 40 milligrams of HDL per deciliter of blood.
In some cases, people with high cholesterol can develop fatty deposits in the skin or tendons. Abnormally high levels of triglycerides in the blood can cause an enlarged spleen or liver and pancreatitis. Atherosclerosis is a narrowing of the arteries that can occur in some cases of dyslipidemia. The risk of stroke or heart attack may also be increased in patients with dyslipidemia who have blocked or narrowed arteries.
People generally have a higher risk of developing dyslipidemia as they age. This medical condition is usually more common in men than in women. Overweight and obese individuals, as well as physically inactive people, may also be more likely to develop high blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides. Diets high in cholesterol or fat can help increase the risk of abnormal lipid levels in some individuals. People who drink excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages may also be at increased risk of developing high blood lipid levels.
Patients with diabetes and kidney disease often develop high blood lipid levels, especially if their medical conditions are not treated effectively. Cigarette smoking can also cause some people to develop unhealthy blood cholesterol levels. People who use several types of medications including estrogens, corticosteroids, and oral contraceptives may be at increased risk for dyslipidemia. Thiazide diuretic drugs and some antiviral drugs can also make some patients more susceptible to this medical condition.
Doctors typically recommend lifestyle changes to treat high blood lipid levels. Patients may receive dietary recommendations, including an increase in fruits and vegetables, as well as a reduction in trans fatty acids and saturated fats. Individuals with high cholesterol can improve their condition with regular exercise in many cases. Overweight individuals who lose weight and smokers who quit smoking may improve their chances of effectively treating high blood lipid levels. Some patients benefit from medications such as statins.
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