Hyperlipidemia: what it is, causes, symptoms, prevention

In hyperlipidemia, an increased content of fats of a certain type is found in the blood. The danger of this is that blood vessels can become clogged due to lipid deposits. The result can be ischemia, thrombosis, and heart attack. How can I identify hyperlipidemia? What prevention is needed?

Symptoms of hyperlipidemia

If triglycerides in the blood are elevated, it may be accompanied by pancreatitis, enlargement of the liver and spleen. If other lipids are excessive, no obvious symptoms are felt. Often, hyperlipidemia is detected on examination for liver pathology, with cardiovascular disease.

Causes of hyperlipidemia

Elevated blood lipids can be hereditary, as well as acquired. If close relatives have this pathology, it is likely that it will be found in a child.

A common cause of hyperlipidemia is improper nutrition as a child. If there is an excess of fat in the food, the young body already has to fight the excess lipids. This diet becomes a habit, and it becomes more and more difficult for a person to absorb fats. With age, lipids are found in the blood.

In addition, hyperlipidemia can occur due to other disorders in the body and conditions, including:

• Liver cirrhosis.
• Acute renal failure.
• Alcohol poisoning.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Reduced thyroid function.
• Excess estrogen and other hormones when using corticosteroids, hormonal contraceptives.

Foods that, if consumed in excess, can cause hyperlipidemia:

• Margarine, palm oil and other trans fats. These are especially dangerous foods because the body can't absorb the fats from them properly, which gives deposits.
• Chicken eggs.
• Cheese, dairy products.

Prevention of hyperlipidemia

To detect an increase in blood fats in time, have regular check-ups with a doctor, especially after the age of 40. Lipidogram is recommended to undergo once every 5 years, starting at the age of 20.

The doctor prescribes biochemical tests that determine the amount of low and high density lipoproteins, cholesterol and triglycerides. If elevated blood fats are found, the doctor will recommend a diet and other lipid-lowering methods.

Some methods of prevention of hyperlipidemia:

• Reduce consumption of fatty meat, dairy products, margarine and products based on it.
• Add chicken and turkey, fish to the diet. These foods are low in fat.
• Your doctor may prescribe statins and omega-3 fatty acids. You should not take medications on your own. Your doctor should determine the exact dosage and how long you should take the medicine. Taking statins, it is necessary to check the condition of the liver, because these drugs can have a negative effect on this organ.

To avoid hyperlipidemia, it is necessary to avoid eating fast food, which has a lot of trans fats. It is important to eat natural foods in moderation. It is better to stew or bake food without oil, to reduce the consumption of fat. You should also get enough exercise, exercise, and drink clean water.