Dyslipidemia is a condition in which the blood lipid levels are either too high or too low. It is the second most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. It is a very common disorder but most patients are not diagnosed and therefore not treated. In 2002, a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) disclosed that Dyslipidemia accounted for 18% of Ischaemic Heart Diseases, 56% of Strokes and more than 4 million deaths worldwide every year.

The blood lipids are Triglycerides (TG), Cholesterol (TC), High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C). Dyslipidemia occurs when there is an abnormal level in one or more of these lipids. These abnormalities could be quantitative or qualitative.

There are two major types of Dyslipidemia: Primary Dyslipidemia and Secondary Dyslipidemia. Primary Dyslipidemia is caused by genetic factors while Secondary Dyslipidemia is caused by lifestyle factors and medical conditions.

Risk factors of Dyslipidemia are genetics, advancing age, female gender, smoking, obesity, consumption of foods high in saturated fat, excessive alcohol, diabetes, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.

The symptoms of Dyslipidemia and not obvious but are most often discovered during routine blood tests. Severe Dyslipidemia can lead to coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Laboratory diagnosis of Dyslipidemia is by carrying out the Lipid Profile Test.

Lifestyle changes that prevent the occurrence of dyslipidemia include the consumption of less saturated fats, alcohol, cigarettes and refined sugar, drinking of plenty water, consumption of more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, maintaining a healthy weight and doing daily exercises.

Visit MedBioTech for your routine blood tests including Lipid Profile Tests.

References:

www.annalsafrmed.org

www.healthline.com

www.medicalnewstoday.com