Hyperlipidemia

What are lipids?

Before understanding hyperlipidemia, it's important to know what lipids are. Lipids are a group of molecules that don't mix well with water, including cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and fatty acids. They play crucial roles in our bodies, such as building cell membranes and storing energy.

What is hyperlipidemia? Why is it important to know about it?

Hyperlipidemia means having high levels of lipids in the blood. These high levels can build up in blood vessels, leading to conditions like peripheral vascular disease and coronary artery disease, which can cause strokes and heart attacks.

You might have heard of 'good cholesterol' and 'bad cholesterol.' Good cholesterol is HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and bad cholesterol is LDL (low-density lipoprotein). Research shows that high levels of LDL are linked to strokes and heart attacks, so many treatments focus on lowering LDL.

What are the ways to prevent hyperlipidemia? Can we treat this condition without medications?

Non-medication strategies are key to preventing and treating hyperlipidemia. These include changing your diet to eat less saturated and trans fats and more unsaturated fats, like those found in olive oil, canola oil, avocados, peanut butter, and salmon.

Exercise is also important. It's recommended to get about 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Losing weight, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can also help.

When do you need to be on medications for hyperlipidemia?

There are several reasons your doctor might prescribe medication for hyperlipidemia. One common reason is if diet and lifestyle changes don't lower your LDL levels enough. Other reasons include very high LDL levels (over 190 mg/dl) or a history of heart attack or stroke, regardless of LDL levels. There are many other evidenced based reasons to be on medications and each patient is unique, so it's important to discuss with your healthcare provider to decide the best treatment plan for you.