What Is Hyperlipidemia?
Hyperlipidemia is a condition in which lipids in the bloodstream, such as fats (like cholesterol and triglycerides), are found at higher than normal levels. While cholesterol and other lipids are necessary for body functions such as the structure of cell membranes and the production of certain hormones, an excessive increase in their levels in the blood poses a significant risk factor for serious health problems.
Like hypertension, hyperlipidemia is usually a "silent" condition that does not cause symptoms but negatively affects vascular health.
Important Components of Blood Lipids
When referring to blood fats, the following values are generally important:
- LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol): The reason it is called "bad" is because at high levels, it accumulates in the walls of arteries, forming hard plaques called atheromas. This leads to arteriosclerosis (artery hardening).
- HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol): Known as "good" because it gathers excess cholesterol from the vessels and transports it back to the liver for removal. High HDL levels are considered protective.
- Triglycerides: Another type of fat used by the body for energy. Elevated triglyceride levels, especially when combined with low HDL and high LDL, increase the risk of heart and vascular diseases.
Why Is Hyperlipidemia Important?
Constantly high levels of lipids in the blood can accumulate in the walls of arteries, leading to arteriosclerosis (atherosclerosis). This causes the vessels to lose their flexibility and narrow. As a result, blood flow becomes difficult, increasing the risk of serious conditions such as:
- Coronary artery disease and heart attacks
- Stroke due to blockage of brain vessels
- Narrowing of vessels supplying limbs such as the legs (peripheral arterial disease)
Causes and Risk Factors
Hyperlipidemia can be related to genetic (familial) factors, but it primarily develops due to lifestyle habits and certain illnesses (secondary):
- Unhealthy Diet: Excessive consumption of foods rich in saturated and trans fats.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of regular physical activity can lower HDL (good) cholesterol and raise LDL (bad) cholesterol.
- Obesity: Excess weight, especially, increases triglyceride levels.
- Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes negatively affects the lipid profile.
- Smoking: Lowers HDL (good) cholesterol and damages the vessel walls, facilitating plaque formation.
- Other Medical Conditions: Hypothyroidism and some kidney diseases can also lead to hyperlipidemia.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approach
The diagnosis of hyperlipidemia is made with a simple blood sample called a "lipid panel". This test is usually performed after a fasting period of 10-12 hours.
The main goal of treatment is to lower blood lipid levels to ideal ranges to reduce the risk of heart and vascular diseases. The treatment is planned individually by a physician after assessing the patient's overall risk profile and includes:
- Lifestyle Changes: The cornerstone of treatment. It includes a heart-friendly diet (such as the Mediterranean diet), regular exercise, maintaining an ideal weight, and quitting smoking.
- Medication Therapy: If lifestyle modifications are insufficient to achieve targeted lipid levels or if the patient's risk is very high, medication (such as statins) is initiated by the doctor.
Regular monitoring of blood lipid levels and adherence to medical advice are critical for a long and healthy life.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.