Introduction
Hyperlipidemia is a condition caused by a high level of fats in the bloodstream. The fats are cholesterol compounds, phospholipids, cholesterol and triglycerides that travel through the vascular system as parts of lipoproteins (large molecules). It influences the production, usage and carriage of lipids in the blood and their disposal in the human body. A patient’s diet, way of life and genetics are crucial factors in the prognosis and prevention of this condition.
Lipoproteins and Chylomicrons
The lipoproteins that exist in blood plasma are divided into these major groups: very high-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, intermediate-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoproteins, very low-density lipoproteins and chylomicrons. Chylomicrons are proteins that carry triglycerides and cholesterol from the small intestine to tissues (Cataldo, 2018). Each density of lipoprotein performs various functions. However, low-density and very low-density lipoprotein can lead to heart problems, increase cholesterol levels and cause strokes.
Risks caused by hyperlipidemia
There are many reasons why hyperlipidemia is a very concerning condition. It represents an imbalance in cholesterol levels. Thus, it can also cause cardiovascular disorders, such as myocardial infarction (Karr, 2017). Because of that, doctors advise their patients to keep LDL levels low and HDL levels high (Cataldo, 2018). Although HDL is referred to as “good cholesterol” and LDL is called “bad cholesterol”, this is very inaccurate because neither of them are cholesterol.
Prevention
In order to prevent hyperlipidemia, it is advised to follow a healthy diet, keep one’s weight average and be more physically active. It is also important to consider that some people are genetically predisposed to high cholesterol levels (Cataldo, 2018). One should also eat low-fat foods, quit smoking, do medical check-ups frequently and test cholesterol levels. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, by preventing hyperlipidemia, a number of life-threatening conditions will also be prevented.
Treatment
The treatment of hyperlipidemia involves various therapies that depend on the expected response and a target-to-target method. Methods of treatment depend on heart disease risks, lipid levels and health in general (Cataldo, 2018). Statin therapy is one of the most commonly used treatments; however, for some patients, it is insufficient (Karr, 2017). Yet another flaw of statin therapy involves various health complications and the risk of a rare disorder called rhabdomyolysis.
Prognosis
The future of hyperlipidemia patients depends on their risk factors for various heart diseases, genetics and age. Men over the age of 45 and, women over the age of 55, and people with diabetes or high blood pressure are the most heavily affected groups (Cataldo, 2018). Having a direct male or female relative who was diagnosed with that condition may also be an important factor (Cataldo, 2018). The results depend on whether the diagnosis was set early enough, the treatment and the patient’s compliance with the prescriptions.
How weight and blood pressure affect the condition
As mentioned earlier, a patient’s diet also plays an important role in their recovery and hyperlipidemia prevention. Being overweight can severely affect cholesterol and lipid levels in one’s blood (Odle, 2021). High blood pressure can not only make this condition more severe but also exhaust the heart. Surprisingly, high blood pressure can also be controlled by a person’s diet changes (e.g., limiting salt) and their loss of weight.
Foods to avoid, foods to eat more often
One should eat a variety of foods to keep their heart healthy. However, some kinds are better than others for heart patients. It is advisable to eat the following types of food: skinless fish, fruit and vegetables (Odle, 2021). Patients should limit eating sweet and high-fat foods, such as bacon, candy, cheese, eggs and whole milk (Cataldo, 2018). This, in turn, can help one improve their diet and prevent heart conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hyperlipidemia is a very severe condition that can lead to strokes and heart diseases. Currently, there are many kinds of treatment, with the most common one being statin. The prognosis of a hyperlipidemia patient depends on their genetics, diet, way of life and compliance. In order to prevent this condition, one should limit sugary and high-fat foods, exercise more frequently and monitor their weight. It is also advised to keep HDL levels high and LDL levels should be low. That way, the quality of life will increase and the patient will be less likely to develop problems such as myocardial infarction.
References
Cataldo, L. J. (2018). Hyperlipidemia. Gale Encyclopedia of Diets, 3rd Edition.
Karr, S. (2017). Epidemiology and management of hyperlipidemia.PCSK9 Inhibitors: A Guide for Managed Care, 23 (9).
Odle, T. G. (2021). Heart-healthy diets. Gale Health and Wellness Online Collection. Gale Health and Wellness.