Hypercholesterolemia is the most common dyslipidemia and exists when the blood cholesterol level exceeds 200-240 mg/dl. It is an important cardiovascular risk factor, accounting for 50% of mortality in developed countries, and leads to an increase in LDL cholesterol, known as “bad” cholesterol, and a decrease in HDL, the “good” cholesterol. Triglycerides, to a lesser extent, also increase with hypercholesterolemia.
There are three different types. They can be primary if they are familial or genetic, or secondary to other processes that alter lipoprotein metabolism, and mixed or multifactorial in origin.
Symptomatology
Hypercholesterolemia has no clear symptoms for a period of time that can be prolonged, although we can distinguish some risk factors that can provoke it. Overweight, obesity and their metabolic complications, such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, stressful situations and low physical activity, are just some of these dangerous factors.
High cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia can lead to arteriosclerosis, a condition that can obstruct blood vessels and reduce blood flow. It is also linked to the metabolic syndrome, with an increase in abdominal perimeter, and is also accompanied by an increase in cholesterol or hyperuricemia.
Treatment
First of all, non-pharmacological measures should be applied to reduce the risk factors: reducing excess weight, giving up smoking and reducing or eliminating alcohol. In addition, it is important to practice physical exercise and limit stressful situations. Only after 3-6 months of dietary measures without good results can pharmacological treatment with statins be recommended.
The dietary measures mentioned above are based on an increase in vegetables and a decrease in saturated fats and excess fats. Losing 10% of excess weight means a reduction of about 50% in cardiovascular risk.