What is hyperlipidemia?
Hyperlipidemia is an excess of fat or lipids in the blood. Against the background of this condition, the risk of heart attack and stroke increases significantly, since the process of proper blood circulation in the arteries is limited due to excess cholesterol.
Drug therapy has been introduced to stabilize cholesterol levels - in some clinical cases, exercise and a healthy diet are sufficient.
Hyperlipidemia is a common diagnosis. If not treated in time, plaque accumulation in the blood vessels will continue and the risk of infarction or stroke will increase.
The following types of complications are expected:
- Stroke;
- Heart attack;
- Carotid artery disease;
- Sudden cardiac death;
- Peripheral artery disease;
- Capillary disease.
In the early stages, the patient has no symptoms, lives a normal life, and is not even aware of the pathological process taking place in the arteries. However, over time, plaque (a mass of cholesterol and fat) accumulates and slows down or completely blocks blood flow to the heart or brain.
The following diseases affect the level of cholesterol in the blood:
- Obesity or overweight;
- Liver disease;
- Pancreatic disease;
- Multiple sclerosis;
- Polycystic ovary syndrome;
- Chronic kidney disease;
- Diabetes;
- Lupus;
- Sleep apnea, etc.
Notable risk factors include:
- A family history of high cholesterol;
- Hypothyroidism;
- Obesity;
- Your diet is not rich in healthy substances;
- You drink too much alcohol;
- Tobacco.
Causes of hyperlipidemia include:
- Tobacco;
- Excessive alcohol consumption;
- Foods high in trans fats or saturated fats;
- Not being physically active and spending most of the day sitting;
- Severe stress;
- Genetic factors;
- Side effects of some medications.
Source:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21656-hyperlipidemia
