Hyperlipidemia Diagnosis

According to the American Heart Association, hyperlipidemia occurs when there is an elevation of lipids (fats including cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipids) in the bloodstream. At normal levels, lipids carry out central functions in your body, but they create health problems when they exceed appropriate levels. While the term hyperlipidemia refers to several conditions, it typically means that you have high cholesterol and high triglyceride levels. There are methods available to successfully treat hyperlipidemia.

Effects

• As we age, a material called plaque may form in the walls of our originally smooth and clear arteries. Plaque consists of several materials that circulate in the blood, including lipids. When lipid levels are too high (hyperlipidemia) it can accelerate a hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Over time a build-up of plaque can diminish blood flow through the arteries. Atherosclerosis increases your chance of heart disease and stroke.

Causes

• Some pre-existing conditions that may contribute to hyperlipidemia include obesity, hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) pregnancy, certain medications (glucocorticoids and estrogen) and kidney failure.

  Hyperlipidemia, along with high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes and smoking significantly increase your risk of heart disease.

Diagnosis

• A blood test is required to diagnosis hyperlipidemia since the disease rarely causes any symptoms. Your doctor will be able to determine the levels of various lipids in your blood. Blood tests commonly measure LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol and triglycerides.

  According to the Mayo Clinic the optimal LDL level is below 100 mg/dL. A reading of 160-189 mg/dL is considered to be high.

  The best HLD level is 60 mg/dL and above. It is considered poor under 40 mg/dL for men and below 50 mg/dL for women. Your total cholesterol level should be below 200 mg/dL.

  A desirable triglyceride level is below 150 mg/dL, while 200-499 mg/dL is regarded as high.

Treatment

• The goal of treating patients with hyperlipidemia is to achieve and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Your doctor takes into account your specific lipid levels, your risk of heart disease and your overall health.

  Lipid-lowering medications you may be prescribed include statin drugs (atorvastatin, Lipitor) or simvastatin (Mevacor). Statins stop your liver from manufacturing cholesterol.

  Bile acid sequestrants (Questran) keep your body from reabsorbing the cholesterol in bile. Bile is a liquid that aids in the digestion of dietary fats.

Lifestyle Changes

• Dietary changes can play a significant role in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. The Mayo Clinic says researchers have found a diet high in fiber and other cholesterol-lowering foods may help reduce cholesterol that's equivalent to taking statin medication.

  The Mayo Clinic recommends a diet rich in whole-grain breads, brown rice and oat bran. Also eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are high in dietary fiber.

  If your doctor says it's OK, aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.