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Hyperlipidemia Complications

Hyperlipidemia is an excess amount of fats, such as cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides and cholesterol esters. While these fats are naturally present in the blood, an excess amount of fats can cause significant health complications, particularly with the heart.

  1. Pancreatitis

    • The pancreas is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body. When hyperlipidemia occurs, an excess amount of triglycerides can build up and cause infection known as pancreatitis. A extremely serious, and in some cases, deadly condition, pancreatitis can result in the eventual shut down of the pancreas entirely.

    Premature Coronary Artery Disease

    • Hyperlipidemia is when the blood vessels that bring blood and oxygen to the heart begin to narrow and the heart has to work overtime to pump blood through the body. Eventually, the vessels become so narrow that the blood cannot pump through to the heart. Early symptoms are chest pain and difficulty breathing, and eventually can cause a heart attack.

    Heart Attack

    • A heart attack can be a result of coronary artery disease, and occurs when blood vessels that bring blood to the heart become completely blocked. When this occurs, heart muscle begins to slowly die off, creating permanent damage. Heart attacks are a serious occurrence and can result in death if not treated quickly enough.

    Stroke

    • Hyperlipidemia has been linked with increased stroke risk because plaque buildup due to hyperlipidemia can loosen and cause an ischemic stroke. The plaque lodges in the brain and prevent blood from flowing to the brain, resulting in cell death. An ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, according to Medline Plus.

    Atherosclerosis

    • High lipid levels due to a buildup of plaque can increase the rate at which sticky, fatty deposits known as plaque build up in the body. In addition to reducing the blood flow through the arteries, the plaque also causes the arteries to harden, making them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis and can contribute to heart disease and possibly heart attack.

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