Hyperlipidemia
Treatment & Prevention of High Cholesterol
Hyperlipidemia is a common condition among American adults. In fact, 1
in 3 adults in the United States have this condition—and of those
who have hyperlipidemia, just one-third has the condition under control.
That is a frightening number, considering the fact that hyperlipidemia
doubles your risk of developing heart disease.
This condition describes a high concentration of fats or “lipids”
in the bloodstream. While this term can describe several conditions, in
most cases it simply means high cholesterol / high triglycerides. In order
to effectively manage hyperlipidemia, you must control your cholesterol
and triglyceride intake. In many cases, statin medications must be used
to manage lipid levels in the blood.
What Causes High Cholesterol / High Triglycerides?
The causes of hyperlipidemia fall under two general categories:
- Familial or “primary” hyperlipidemia, which is caused by a
genetic predisposition
- Secondary hyperlipidemia, which is caused by obesity, a poor diet, lack
of exercise, cigarette use, and other lifestyle factors
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the body’s cells and
essential for digestion and for producing hormones and vitamin D. Our
bodies naturally produce the amount of cholesterol that we need. Triglycerides
are a form of fat or lipid found in the blood. When we eat, excess calories
not used by the body are converted to triglycerides and stored in fat
cells, to be released for energy when needed.
Partnering with You to Protect Your Health
A healthy, nutritious diet coupled with an appropriate level of physical
activity can prove the best strategy in the prevention or treatment of
hyperlipidemia. A healthy diet that avoids excessive intake of trans fats,
cholesterol, and saturated fat is important. Not all fats are “bad,”
however. Incorporating fish and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids is
part of a nutritious lifestyle.
Ask your doctor at Washington Township Medical Foundation in Fremont about
lifestyle modifications that can help in treating / preventing this condition.
In some cases, medications called statins may be necessary to help manage
blood lipid levels.