Hypercholesterolemia
Hypercholesterolemia Causes
Causes for hypercholesterolemia include: diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, kidney disease or nephrotic syndrome, hypothyroidism, anorexia nervosa, zieve's syndrome, family history (in the case of familial hypercholesterolemia), and unhealthy diets. An excessive consumption of saturated fat increases cholesterol in the blood. Consequently, obesity or excess body weight is a major risk factor. A low-fat diet and losing weight can significantly decrease cholesterol levels. In addition, regular physical exercise can also help manage LDL (bad cholesterol) and raise HDL (good cholesterol).
Hypercholesterolemia Definition
Literally, Hypercholesterolemia means ?high blood cholesterol?. Characterized by elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood, Hypercholesterolemia is not a disease per se, but a metabolic dysfunction which may be indicative of other diseases as well as contribute to several other forms of disease. Hypercholesterolemia is strongly correlated with ?hyperlipidemia?, marked by high lipid levels, and ?hyperlipoproteinemia", marked by high lipoprotein levels. A rare genetic form of this disorder is known as familial hypercholesterolemia, a condition occurring in families where members cannot properly metabolize cholesterol.
Hypercholesterolemia Diagnosis
The most obvious diagnostic tool to determine hypercholesterolemia is to test for cholesterol levels in the blood. In measuring, however, subfractions such as LDL, HDL, and VLDL need to be accurately determined to draw a reliable diagnostic conclusion. A method known as the Friedewald calculation [LDL ~= Total Cholesterol - HDL - (0.2 x Triglycerides)] is used to determine potentially harmful levels. Also, newer lab methods have been developed (including the "lipoprotein subclass analysis") that have presented significant progress in diagnosis. In addition, screening should also be done to determine the presence of hypercholesterolemia, especially in asymptomatic patients.
Hypercholesterolemia Symptoms and Signs
High cholesterol levels do not necessarily manifest adverse symptoms, unless such excess has been occurring for long periods. Some physical signs of hypercholesterolemia include: thickening of the tendons (known as xanthoma), appearance of yellowish patches around the eyelids (known as xanthelasma palpabrum), and even white discoloration of the peripheral cornea (arcus senilis). Longstanding hypercholesterolemia frequently results in accelerated atherosclerosis, which, in turn, can present in a range of cardiovascular symptoms, including: chest pain on exertion (angina pectoris), mini strokes or transient ischemic attacks, heart attaches (myocardial infarction), major strokes, and peripheral artery disease.
Hypercholesterolemia Treatment
Hypercholesterolemia patients are strongly advised to change their diets. Patients need to drastically alter their eating habits and increase their physical activity. In extreme cases, food supplements are needed to help manage cholesterol. Medications are also commonly prescribed in combination with physical exercise and low cholesterol intake. To date, statins are popular for their efficacy in treating hypercholesterolemia. Further, recent clinical practice guidelines are promoting lipid-lowering therapy for cardiovascular disease prevention, statins as a primary form of treatment, and vigilant monitoring of cholesterol levels.
Drugs used for treatment of Hypercholesterolemia
Lasuna
Rosulip-F
Vytorin