Dyslipidemia (suboptimal lipid profile)

Definition:

Dyslipidemia is an abnormal amount of lipids (e.g. cholesterol and/or fat) in the blood. In developed countries, most dyslipidemias are hyperlipidemias; that is, an elevation of lipids in the blood, often due to diet and lifestyle. The prolonged elevation of insulin levels can lead to dyslipidemia.

Prevention:

  • Food and Nutrition (less fat and oil; more vegetables, whole grains and fiber)
  • Exercise/Activity

Treatment:

  • Medications most commonly used to treat high LDL cholesterol levels are statins, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) or simvastatin (Mevacor). These medications work by reducing the production of cholesterol within the body. Although safe and effective, statins very rarely cause muscle damage, typically when used in combination with other medications. Thus, it is important to let your doctor know whether you develop any generalized body ache or start a new medication when you are taking statins.
  • Other medications used to treat high LDL cholesterol levels include ezetimibe (Zetia), which decreases the absorption of cholesterol from the gut; bile-acid sequestrants (Questran), which eliminate cholesterol from the body; and nicotinic acid (Niacin), which, in addition to lowering LDL cholesterol, raises HDL cholesterol.
  • Hypertriglyceridemia is typically treated with a class of medications called fibrates. Included in this class are gemfibrozil (Lopid) and fenofibrate (Tricor). Similar to statins, fibrates are safe and effective but may cause muscle damage, usually when used in combination with other medications.