What Is Hyperlipidemia?

Hyperlipidemia is a medical condition that is characterized by excessive amounts of fatty substances such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood of an individual. Hyperlipidemia is often also known as hyperlipoproteinemia as fatty substances are often found attached to the proteins in the bloodstream. These increased levels of proteins and lipids often slow down the body's metabolic process by blocking various veins and arteries and can be very fatal if left unchecked.

Causes

According to the leading medicine site Healthscout.com, it was found that the prime cause for the occurrence of hyperlipidemia is hypothyroidism, a condition in which there is deficiency in the thyroid hormone (thyroxine) production. Thyroxine helps in the breakdown and synthesis of proteins and lipids in the body. The deficiency of thyroxine leads to the accumulation of the lipids and lipoproteins and increases the probability of developing hyperlipidemia.
Other common causes of hyperlipidemia in individuals include lack of physical movement and exercise, obesity, diabetes and smoking.

Symptoms

Hyperlipidemia has no general symptoms associated with it as it is generally detected during a blood test. However certain signs associated with increased lipids levels in the body include inflammation under the eyes and near the achillies tendon, which is mainly caused due to the accumulation of cholesterol and lipids under the skin. Other signs associated with hyperlipidemia include development of pimple-like lesions all over the body.
In certain severe cases, patients might also develop pancreatitis, a condition characterized by the inflammation of the pancreas, which might be life threatening.

Heart Attack and Hyperlipidemia

There are various serious health implications and hazards that are associated with increased lipoprotein levels in the body. However according to a recently published article by Vascular society it was concluded that one of the most common risks associated with hyperlipidemia is heart attacks and strokes. The increased lipoproteins in the bloodstream of an individual accumulate over the arteries of the heart, constrict them and increase the chance of an heart attack due to increased pressure on the heart.

Drug Therapy

Drugs commonly known as statins are generally used to control and treat people suffering from hyperlipidemia. These drugs help in lowering the cholesterol and lipid levels in the body by blocking the production of lipids in the liver. These drugs also help in dissolving the cholesterol and lipids accumulated on the arteries of the heart thus preventing serious health hazards such as heart attacks and coronary heart disease.
Other common drugs that are used to treat increased lipids level include Lipitor, Lescol and Crestor.

Prevention/Solution

Individuals can take certain preventive measures in order to stem the development of hyperlipidemia. Some of the most common preventive steps include maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet, following a regular exercise regimen, and avoiding smoking and drinking of alcoholic beverages.