What is Dyslipidemia?
When you go for a blood check-up — may it be as a part of your annual health program sponsored by your employer or as a preventive health checkup for yourself/advised by your doctor- there are various blood parameters that you are checked for. One of which is called lipid profile. In this profile, the various fats present in blood are determined which are collectively known as lipids. A lipid profile includes Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, Triglycerides, VLDL cholesterol and there are a few ratios of these lipids as well. When these lipids are not in their normal range, they cause various problems in the body, mainly heart disease and stroke.
Dyslipidemia
Dyslipidemia is a disorder of blood lipids, including either overproduction or deficiency of these lipids. It may be manifested by increased level of total cholesterol, LDL i.e. bad cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and a decrease in HDL, i.e. good cholesterol level.
Certain amount of cholesterol is present in your body and blood which is normal and rather it is required for regular functioning of the body. But when LDL cholesterol levels rise above the expected, it deposits in the blood arteries to form clogs in them and also harden them causing blockages. This if not taken care off, eventually may result in heart attack and/or stroke.
Globally, elevated cholesterol is estimated to cause 2.6 million deaths (4.5% of total) and 29.7 million disability adjusted life years (DALYS), or 2.0% of total DALYS. Raised total cholesterol is the main reason for Ischemic heart disease and stroke in both, the developed and developing countries.
Signs and Symptoms
Generally there are no symptoms of dyslipidemia. If there is a major damage that has already occurred, only then symptoms such as heart disease or stroke are seen.
Many of us are not aware of our cholesterol levels unless and until we face any health issues! Hence, it is suggested that all should get their cholesterol level checked at least once every 5 years, once you reach age 20 and above, to prevent the onset of heart disease and stroke.
Let’s understand the desirable level of cholesterol
1. Total Cholesterol— less than 200mg/dl — Desirable
200–239 mg/dl — Borderline High
240 mg/dl and above — High
2. LDL Cholesterol — Less than 100 mg/dl — Optimal
100–129 mg/dl — Near optimal/above optimal
130–159 mg/dl — Borderline High
160–189 mg/dl — High
190mg/dl and above — Very High
3. HDL Cholesterol — Less than 40 mg/dl — Major Heart Disease Risk Factor
60 mg/dl and above — Gives some protection against heart disease
4. Triglyceride level — Less than 150 mg/dl — Optimal
150–199 mg/dl- Borderline High
200- 499 mg/dl and above — Very High
(https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/chol_tlc.pdf)
Please Note: — Your risk for dyslipidemia or heart disease may change as per your other blood parameters or medical and lifestyle conditions. Please consult your doctor to know more about the same.
How to prevent or manage Dyslipidemia?
1. Diet ‐ Blood cholesterol levels raise with a diet high in saturated fat and trans fat present in red meat, full cream dairy, butter, junk and processed foods, etc. Healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in foods such as nuts, oily fish and vegetable oils should be consumed in place of unhealthy saturated and trans fat. Also, limiting the intake of added sugars, refined flours and processed grains in diet will help keep a check on your triglyceride levels. On the other hand, the diet should be rich in fiber and contain required amount of lean protein.
2. Being overweight ‐ Being overweight increases LDL — bad cholesterol and triglycerides and may decrease HDL i.e. good cholesterol, thus increases the risk of heart disease. Losing weight (excess fats from the body) can help you decrease LDL and total cholesterol levels and also raise your HDL‐C and lower your triglyceride levels.
3. Smoking Cessation and limiting alcohol intake helps as well.
4. Physical Activity ‐ Regular physical activity will help you lose those extra pounds. It can also assist in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. You should try to be physically active for 30 minutes on at least 5 days of the week. Being physically inactive is a risk factor for heart disease.
5. Medications — If the levels of total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides are too high, while HDL being very low, you may be prescribed some medications by your doctor.
Please Note
For lipid profile and any blood tests or various health checkups in Mumbai, please visit www.healthdekho.com
References:-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperlipidemia
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/public/heart/chol_tlc.pdf
