Dyslipidemia is a condition characterized by abnormal levels of cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. This condition can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle or genetic disorders. Dyslipidemia is often asymptomatic until complications develop, such as a stroke or heart attack.
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| Dyslipidemia, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications |
Fat is important in helping the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K), protecting organs, and forming hormones. There are several types of fat in the body, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. The levels of these fats can be too high or too low.
The most common type of dyslipidemia is hyperlipidemia, which is when your lipid (fat) levels are too high. Meanwhile, another form of dyslipidemia that occurs less frequently is hypolipidemia, which is when lipid levels are too low.
Fat levels in the human body are measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). The following are normal limits for fat levels in the human body:
- Total cholesterol: below 200 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol: above 60 mg/dL
- LDL cholesterol: below 100 mg/dL
- Triglycerides: below 150 mg/dL
Dyslipidemia sufferers are usually not aware that the lipid levels in their blood are abnormal. As a result, most sufferers do not get treatment sooner.
Causes of Dyslipidemia
Based on the cause, dyslipidemia is divided into two, namely primary and secondary dyslipidemia. Primary dyslipidemia is a hereditary disease that usually occurs as a result of genetic mutations.
Primary dyslipidemia can be familial hyperlipidemia, polygenic hypercholesterolemia, or familial hyperapobetalipoproteinemia.
Meanwhile, secondary dyslipidemia is caused by an unhealthy lifestyle or due to certain conditions. Some unhealthy lifestyles that can increase a person's risk of experiencing dyslipidemia are:
- Smoking habit
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Rarely exercise or do physical activity
- Unhealthy eating patterns, namely high intake of foods high in saturated fat, and lack of intake of vegetables and fruit
Meanwhile, several diseases or conditions that can also increase the risk of developing dyslipidemia are:
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Liver disease
- Kidney illness
- Overweight or obesity
- Use of certain drugs, such as birth control pills, antidepressants, and corticosteroid drugs
- Menopause
Symptoms of Dyslipidemia
Dyslipidemia is a condition that does not cause definite symptoms. Therefore, the best way to find out the levels of HDL, LDL and triglycerides in the blood is to undergo a lipid profile blood test.
However, in some cases, severe dyslipidemia can cause symptoms in the form of the appearance of yellow lumps around the eyes and eyelids (xanthelasma).
When to see a doctor
It is recommended to carry out a fat profile screening test once every 1–2 years for young adults and once a year for the elderly. If the test results show cholesterol levels that are not within the normal range, do an examination with a doctor to get the right treatment.
Immediately seek medical attention to the emergency room at the nearest hospital if you experience signs of an emergency heart attack or stroke, such as:
- Sudden severe chest pain accompanied by nausea, cold sweat, and shortness of breath
- One side of the body experiences weakness suddenly
- Talking suddenly
- Loss of consciousness
Diagnosis of Dyslipidemia
The doctor will conduct a debriefing with the patient regarding diet and lifestyle, as well as family history. Next, the doctor will do a lipid profile blood test to detect total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides.
Please note that consuming food and drink can affect cholesterol levels. Therefore, the doctor will advise the patient to fast for at least 12 hours before the blood test begins.
In addition, blood tests are also performed to detect high sensitivity C-reaction protein (hs-CRP), lipoprotein A, and apolipoprotein B.
The doctor can also suggest an examination with a CT scan of the heart. The goal is to check whether dyslipidemia has caused complications.
Dyslipidemia Treatment
Treatment of dyslipidemia is adjusted to the severity and type of fat that has increased or decreased. The main method recommended by doctors is lifestyle changes, namely by:
- Change your diet by increasing your intake of vegetables, fruits, oatmeal and whole grains
- Limit consumption of foods that contain lots of saturated fat and high sugar
- Adequate intake of foods that contain omega-3
- Increase physical activity by exercising for at least 30 minutes every day
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages
- Quit smoking
In addition to the efforts above, treatment for severe dyslipidemia is by administering statin drugs. Statins function to help reduce LDL levels by inhibiting the production of lipids in the liver. Some types of statin drugs that can be prescribed are:
- Atorvastatin
- Fluvastatin
- Lovastatin
- Pravastatin
- Rosuvastatin
- Pitavastatin
- Simvastatin
These drugs are given if the level of fat in the blood has reached the following numbers:
- LDL level more than 190 mg/dL
- HDL levels are less than 40 mg/dL in men or 50 mg/dL in women
- Triglyceride levels over 200 mg/dL
Apart from the statin drug class, several other drugs that can also be prescribed to patients are ezetimibe, fibrates, PCSK9 inhibitors, vitamin B3, bempedoic acid, and omega-3 supplements.
Dyslipidemia complications
Dyslipidemia that is not treated can lead to accumulation of fat on the walls of blood vessels or atherosclerosis. If left unchecked, atherosclerosis over time has the risk of causing various health complications, such as:
- Heart attack
- Strokes
- Coronary heart disease
- Peripheral artery disease
Prevention of Dyslipidemia
Secondary dyslipidemia can be prevented by living a healthy lifestyle. Efforts that can be made include:
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly and do physical activity
- Meet the need for sleep and rest
- Eat a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet
- Limit eating foods that are saturated fat
- Manage stress well
- Maintain ideal body weight
Meanwhile, primary dyslipidemia is difficult to prevent. If you suffer from this disease, undergo regular treatment and control to the doctor to prevent complications of dyslipidemia.
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