1. What is hyperlipidemia?
2. Prognosis of the disease
3. Symptoms of hyperlipidemia
4. Medical tests for hyperlipidemia
5. What are the causes of hyperlipidemia?
6. Can it be prevented?
7. Treatments for hyperlipidemia
8. Which specialist treats it?
1. What is hyperlipidemia?
Hyperlipidemia is an excess of fat in the blood. This is due to the existence of a disorder in the metabolism of the blood that causes an increase in lipids. The two types of fats circulating in the blood are triglycerides and cholesterol. There are three types of hyperlipidemia:
- Hypertriglyceridemias: increased triglyceride levels.
- Hypercholesterolemias: increased cholesterol levels.
- Hyperlipidemias: increased triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
2. Prognosis of the disease
Hyperlipidemia is not serious, but triglyceride and cholesterol levels should be checked regularly. Normally, the levels of these substances can be reduced with sport and a proper diet.
3. Symptoms of hyperlipidemia
The most common symptoms are
- Abdominal pain
- Enlargement of the liver and spleen.
- Eruptive xanthomatosis: fatty rashes on the skin.
- Circulation disorders
- Angina pectoris
- Cerebral strokes
4. Medical tests for hyperlipidemia
To analyze the levels of fat in the red blood cells, a blood test is performed, which should be done with 12 hours of fasting. If the patient is taking any medication or has recently undergone an operation, the levels of fat in the blood may be elevated.
5. What are the causes of hyperlipidemia?
Hyperlipidemia can be primary, if it is caused by the malfunction of blood fat metabolism, or secondary, if it is due to the consumption of certain drugs or other diseases. Pathologies that can cause hyperlipidemia are diabetes, hypothyroidism, lupus erythematosus or alcoholism.
6. Can it be prevented?
Primary hyperlipidemia cannot be prevented, as it is due to a malfunction of fat metabolism, but with the use of medication and a healthy diet its impact can be reduced. On the other hand, secondary hyperlipidemia, if it is due to a drug, can be prevented by stopping taking it, but if it is due to a disease, it cannot be prevented.
7. Treatments for hyperlipidemia
People suffering from hyperlipidemia should watch their diet and only consume 10% of their total diet of fats. In addition, you should exercise regularly and maintain your weight in the ideal parameters to avoid overweight. If this does not work, the doctor will prescribe the most appropriate medication depending on the case.
8. Which specialist treats it?
The specialist who treats hyperlipidemia is the expert in Endocrinology and Nutrition.