BY ONDINE AND SARAH Hyperlipidemia

What Is Hyperlipidemia? Hyperlipidemia is the presence of abnormal or raised levels of lipids (fats) or lipoproteins in the blood. Because hyperlipidemia has to do with the fat levels within the blood, it is regarded as one of the most modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Considering the nature of this status, it is highly possible that hyperlipidemia may be fatal to a patient, if a severe enough case goes unchecked for too long. Hyperlipidemia presents stress on the cardiovascular system, making it harder for nutrients, and, more importantly, oxygen, to pass to different areas of the body.

What Causes Hyperlipidemia? For whatever primary reason (relative to the branch of hyperlipidemia), the number of HDLs (High-Density Lipoproteins) in the blood system is insufficient to combat the LDLs (Low-Density Lipoproteins.) The reasons behind this can be from a sudden increase in LDLs, otherwise known as ‘bad cholesterol’, or a decrease in HDLs, or ‘good cholesterol.’ LDLs are known as bad cholesterol because they carry the largest amount of cholesterol in the blood and are responsible for transporting it to extrahepatic tissue and depositing it in arterial walls. HDLs, on the other hand, are responsible for removing harmful LDLs from the blood, thereby preventing fatty buildup and formation of plaque in the walls of the arteries. When LDLs outnumber the HDLs by a large enough margin, they begin to have adverse affects on the body, due to the harm they wreck upon the capabilities of the bloodstream. Hyperlipidemia may also be caused by raised levels of triglycerides in the bloodstream. Triglycerides are composed of three fatty acids, and because they are so prevalent in contemporary foods, many people consume too much of them. Triglycerides are the main constituents of vegetable oil and animal fats. People who have diets mainly composed of carbohydrates may also have problems with high triglyceride levels.

Risk Factors for Hyperlipidemia and Complications Risk Factors: Hypothyroidism: Inflammation of the thyroid glands Cushings Syndrome: Too much of the hormone cortisol, which may be caused by overuse of steroids. Diabetes Alcohol Consumption High Fat Diet Chronic Kidney Failure Acute Kidney Failure Adverse Effects of Medication Complications: Artherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque in blood vessels Heart Attack Stroke Coronary Artery Disease

Types of Hyperlipidemia There are many different types of hyperlipidemia, but all share the same symptom: A buildup of lipids or lipoproteins within the blood. Different people are more at risk for contracting hyperlipidemia due to the branches which are passed down genetically. People who contract this strain (familial combined hyperlipidemia) get it during their teenage years, and it stays with them throughout their lives. Some types may be caused by a primary disorder such as familial hyperlipidemia, and some are due to secondary causes. Secondary causes of hyperlipidemia are related to disease risk factors, dietary risk factors, and drugs associated with hyperlipidemia. According to Fredrickson Classification there are five types of hyperlipidemia: Type I - Raised cholesterol with high triglyceride levels. Type II - High cholesterol with normal triglyceride levels. Type III - Raised cholesterol and triglycerides. Type IV - Raised triglycerides, atheroma, raised uric acid. Type V - Raised triglycerides.

Ways To Avoid Bad Cholesterol Eat a heart-healthy diet with plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Avoid saturated fats (found mostly in animal products) and trans-fatty acids (found in fast foods and commercially baked products). Instead, choose unsaturated fats. Exercise regularly to help raise your HDL ("good" cholesterol) Get periodic health checkups and cholesterol screenings Lose weight if you are overweight Quit smoking