Hyperlipidemia is a condition where fatty substances such as cholesterol and triglycerides accumulate in the blood, increasing the risk of heart disease. It can be caused by a high-fat diet, hypothyroidism, diabetes, obesity, and smoking. Symptoms are usually absent, but severe cases can lead to pancreatitis, heart attack, and stroke. Treatment includes a healthy diet, exercise, and medication such as statins, but side effects may occur.
Hyperlipidemia refers to a medical condition characterized by increased levels of fatty substances in the blood. These fatty substances include cholesterol and triglycerides. Excessive amounts of lipids in the blood can increase the incidence of heart disease by blocking the arteries. The severity of hyperlipidemia can range from mild to severe. Generally, treatment depends on the extent of the condition and other underlying medical conditions that may predispose an individual to elevated blood lipids.
Causes of hyperlipidemia can include a diet high in saturated fat, however one of the main causes is hypothyroidism. This condition refers to a deficiency in the production of thyroxine, which is a thyroid hormone. In general, thyroxine is important in the synthesis and breakdown of lipids, and a deficiency can lead to accumulations of fats in the blood which can promote hyperlipidemia. Other causes of increased blood lipids include diabetes, obesity and smoking.
Typically, hyperlipidema has no symptoms and is usually diagnosed during routine blood tests. There may be some manifestations, however, associated with high blood lipid levels, which can include swelling under the eyes and Achilles tendon. These signs are usually caused by the accumulation of lipids and cholesterol in the subcutaneous or subcutaneous tissue. Additional symptoms may include yellow fatty deposits on the body that look like pimples.
In severe cases of hyperlipidemia, pancreatitis may develop, which is manifested by inflammation of the pancreas. Pancreatitis causes severe abdominal pain and, in some cases, is life-threatening. Other serious effects of hyperlipidemia include heart attack and stroke. Sometimes, an increase in lipoproteins in the blood can build up on the coronary arteries, which can cause constriction or narrowing. This condition increases the risk of a cardiac event by putting too much pressure on the heart.
Treatment for hyperlipidemia includes eating a healthy diet, exercising, and not smoking. Additionally, avoiding alcoholic beverages can keep triglycerides at bay, because consuming alcohol can increase the level of these fatty deposits in the blood. If these conservative treatments are not effective enough, drug therapy may be recommended. Medications called statins are often prescribed to manage hyperlipidemia. Statins lower blood lipids and cholesterol by inhibiting their production in the liver.
Sometimes statins are not well tolerated due to side effects. These side effects can include gastrointestinal manifestations such as nausea and diarrhea. These symptoms are usually mild, however they can be intrusive enough for the individual to discontinue therapy. Another serious side effect of statins includes the risk of muscle damage. Patients are advised to report any incidence of muscle pain or weakness to their physician. When statins are not tolerated, other treatments to lower blood fats may be started.
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