How to Treat Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia means there is too much fat (also known as lipids) in the bloodstream. These fats consist of HDL and LDL cholesterol along with triglycerides. While a certain amount is necessary, when too much accumulates the risk of diseases such as heart attack and stroke increase. It is recommended LDL should be less than 130 mg/dL, and HDL is heart healthy when it is above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women. It is also advised that triglycerides stay below 200 mg/dL. Total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dl.
The good news is that lifestyle changes can often improve your lipid profile, bringing those numbers back into an acceptable range. Changes include weight loss, exercise, dietary changes and stopping smoking. When these efforts are not enough, several types of medications are available.

Things You'll Need

• Blood test results for HDL, LDL and triglycerides
• BMI chart (available on multiple websites and from your primary health care provider)

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut back on foods that increase LDL and triglycerides. Reduce saturated fat, which is found in meat and dairy products with a higher fat content. Opt instead for lean meat without skin, low fat or skim milk and cheese. Daily fat intake should stay around 25 to 35 percent of total calories. Monitor your cholesterol intake from food and try to take in less than 200 mg a day. Keep an eye on carbohydrates too, because excess starchy or sugar-laden foods will raise triglycerides.

• 2

  Add foods that lower LDL and triglycerides. Look for foods that contain compounds known as plant phytosterols, which help to block some of the LDL that is normally taken in with what you eat. These include sesame seeds, corn and soy as well as fortified products, such as some types of margarine and salad dressing. Aim for 10 to 25 grams of soluble fiber daily (found in oatmeal, beans and nuts) as this also acts to decrease both types of lipids.

• 3

  Make a point of consuming fats that are beneficial to HDL production. HDL is most desirable above 40mg/dL and plays a role in carrying extra LDL to the liver for disposal. These "good" fats include cold water fish, such as salmon, sardines and mackeral, which are polyunsaturated. Also helpful for HDL are monounsaturated fats (MUFAs) found in foods like olive oil, nuts, and avocados.

• 4

  Watch the scale. Excess weight contributes to the decrease of HDL and the increase of LDL. Of special concern is visceral fat, the kind that collects around the middle, as this is another known risk factor for heart disease. If you do not know your body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of weight in relation to height, learn it to determine whether your weight is at a healthy level. Triglycerides are stored in body fat so the less fat you have, the lower your levels.

• 5

  Increase your physical activity. By exercising at least 30 minutes a day you can increase your HDL. The additional demand on your muscles will allow triglycerides to be used as energy. This also helps with weight reduction, a must for triglyceride management. Options exist for all fitness levels, and walking is a great way to get started.

• 6

  Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke. Tobacco smoke can lower HDL and raise triglycerides. It will also make exercise harder because of decreased lung function. If you are able to make this change, it will reduce the risk of multiple health problems.

• 7

  If these measures are not enough, get a thorough evaluation from your health care provider. Certain genetic as well as underlying chronic medical conditions can contribute to hyperlipidemia. Medications that are available include statins, drugs that prevent lipid reabsorbtion from bile, niacin and fibric acids. Each comes with risks and benefits, so discuss further with a medical professional.