Dyslipidemia: Strategies for cardiovascular health causes, symptoms and treatment

Dyslipidemia often develops without causing noticeable symptoms, making it challenging to detect without specific testing. (Image: Canva)

Dyslipidemia spans a spectrum of lipid imbalances, from hyperlipidemia, indicating high lipid levels, to hypolipidemia, reflecting low lipid levels. A thorough understanding of dyslipidemia's causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential for effectively managing cardiovascular health.

Types of dyslipidemia:

Dyslipidemia presents in various forms, including hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and combined dyslipidemia, says Metro hospital and eye care consultant Raghav Kumar, also a Lipidologists. Hypercholesterolemia signifies elevated LDL cholesterol, while hypertriglyceridemia denotes high triglyceride levels. Combined dyslipidemia involves abnormalities in both LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Causes of dyslipidemia:

Primary dyslipidemia often has a genetic basis, resulting from inherited mutations affecting lipid metabolism, says Kumar. On the other hand, secondary dyslipidemia can develop due to lifestyle factors like poor dietary choices, insufficient physical activity, obesity, or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, or liver disease.

Signs and symptoms:

Asymptomatic nature: Dyslipidemia often develops without causing noticeable symptoms, making it challenging to detect without specific testing.

Importance of routine testing: Routine lipid panel testing becomes crucial for identifying dyslipidemia in its early stages, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of associated complications.

Potential complications: Severe dyslipidemia, if left untreated, can contribute to the development of serious cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Manifestation of CAD: CAD may present with symptoms like chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, fatigue, or discomfort in the chest, arms, neck, jaw, or back, especially during physical exertion or emotional stress.

Symptoms of PAD: PAD primarily affects the blood vessels in the legs and can manifest as leg pain, cramping, numbness, weakness, or aching, particularly during activity and relieved by rest.

Other cardiovascular symptoms: Dyslipidemia-associated CAD or PAD may also exhibit symptoms such as palpitations, irregular heartbeats, dizziness, fainting, or difficulty walking due to reduced blood flow to the legs.

Progressive nature: Without proper management, dyslipidemia-related cardiovascular symptoms may worsen over time, leading to diminished quality of life and increased risk of life-threatening events like heart attacks or strokes.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing dyslipidemia involves a straightforward blood test to measure levels of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, says Kumar. Regular lipid screening is particularly critical for individuals with risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or a family history of dyslipidemia.

Treatment options:

Management of dyslipidemia centers on lifestyle modifications, including adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking. Pharmacotherapy may also be necessary, with medications such as statins, ezetimibe, fibrates, or PCSK9 inhibitors prescribed to lower lipid levels, especially LDL cholesterol.

Prevention:

Preventing dyslipidemia involves sustaining a healthy lifestyle, characterised by balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and abstaining from tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. Early detection and management are pivotal for reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications and improving long-term outcomes.

Dyslipidemia poses significant cardiovascular health risks, but with appropriate management strategies encompassing lifestyle adjustments and pharmacological interventions, individuals can effectively regulate lipid levels and mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease.