Dyslipidemia: Everything you need to know

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Dyslipidemia is defined as having blood lipid levels that are too high or low. Blood lipids are fatty substances, such as triglycerides and cholesterol.

Many people achieve healthy levels by eating a balanced diet and through other aspects of their lifestyle. However, some require medication to prevent additional health problems.

What is dyslipidemia?

Blood cells and lipid particles in artery to represent dyslipidemia.

Dyslipidemia is characterized by abnormal levels of lipids in the blood.

Dyslipidemia occurs when someone has abnormal levels of lipids in their blood. While the term describes a wide range of conditions, the most common forms of dyslipidemia involve:

  • high levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), or bad cholesterol
  • low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), or good cholesterol
  • high levels of triglycerides
  • high cholesterol, which refers to high LDL and triglyceride levels

Lipids, or fats, are building blocks of life and provide energy to cells. Lipids include:

  • LDL cholesterol, which is considered bad because it can cause plaques to form in the blood vessels.
  • HDL cholesterol, which is regarded as good because it can help to remove LDL from the blood.
  • Triglycerides, which develop when calories are not burned right away and are stored in fat cells.

Healthy blood lipid levels naturally vary from person to person. However, people with high levels of LDL and triglycerides or very low HDL levels tend to have a higher risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis develops when hard, fatty deposits called plaques accumulate in blood vessels, making it difficult for blood to flow.

Over time, these plaques can build up and cause major circulation problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Symptoms

Unless it is severe, most people with dyslipidemia are unaware that they have it. A doctor will usually diagnose dyslipidemia during a routine blood test or a test for another condition.

Severe or untreated dyslipidemia can lead to other conditions, including coronary artery disease(CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Both CAD and PAD can cause serious health complications, including heart attacks and strokes. Common symptoms of these conditions include:

  • leg pain, especially when walking or standing
  • chest pain
  • tightness or pressure in the chest and shortness of breath
  • pain, tightness, and pressure in the neck, jaw, shoulders, and back
  • indigestion and heartburn
  • sleep problems and daytime exhaustion
  • dizziness
  • heart palpitations
  • cold sweats
  • vomiting and nausea
  • swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, stomach, and veins of the neck
  • fainting

These symptoms may get worse with activity or stress and get better when a person rests.

Talk with a doctor about chest pain, especially any of the above symptoms accompany it.

Anyone who experiences severe chest pain, dizziness, and fainting, or problems breathing should seek emergency care.

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