Hyperlipidemia-High Cholesterol

Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of lipids (fat) in the blood stream. These fats are known as cholesterol and triglycerides. High levels of these substances may not cause you any physical symptoms but can eventually put you at risk for thickened or hardened arteries in the body, especially the heart. Hardened arteries in the heart are referred to as Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). CAD is a major cause of death in the United States today. Knowing the facts about cholesterol and how it affects your health can reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

Cholesterol is a substance found in both the blood stream and in your body's cells. It is an important part of maintaining a healthy body but too much cholesterol in the blood creates risk for heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol comes from two places; your body and food sources. Seventy five percent of blood cholesterol is made by your body and the other comes from foods that you eat. There are two main types of cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol. Along with other substances, LDL can form plaque on arteries making them narrow and less flexible. LDL levels should be below 100 mg/dl and even lower if you have other chronic medical conditions that put you at risk for heart disease. In contrast, high HDL levels (above 50 mg/dl) are thought to protect against plaque buildup and heart disease.

Triglycerides are a type of fat made by the body and they can also contribute to arterial blockage and other serious conditions. High levels can be related to eating lots of carbohydrates or from obesity, sedentary lifestyle, excessive alcohol use and cigarette smoking. The goal for triglyceride levels should be below 150 mg/dl.

Strategies for lowering your cholesterol have several possible approaches and depend on your cholesterol readings, general health risk factors, family history and concurrent conditions. Lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments are extremely important for all patients. Dietary guidelines include a diet that lowers total calorie intake and reduces total fat and cholesterol intake especially by focusing on reducing the consumption of saturated fats. Reading food labels and being aware of the cholesterol content of foods is a cornerstone of cholesterol management. Regular exercise also plays an important role in reducing your risk for heart disease by increasing your good cholesterol. Some patients may require medication to help lower cholesterol levels. The important thing to remember is that the best approach for treating your cholesterol is a proactive one. The first step in managing your cholesterol is to have your fasting lipid profile checked. If your levels are high, you can further discuss the best individualized treatment plan with your health care professional at Family Medicine Associates.