Hyperlipidemia

DEFINITION.Hyperlipidemia is the high levels of fats (cholesterol, triglycerides, or both) in the blood. Fats (also called lipids) are energy-rich substance, which serves as the main source of energy for the body's metabolic processes.



Fat obtained from food or formed in the body, especially in the liver and can be stored in fat cells for future use. Fat cells also protect the body from the cold and helps protect the body against injury. Fat is an essential component of cell membranes, nerve sheath that encloses nerve cells and bile..Two major fats in the blood are cholesterol and triglycerides. Fat bind themselves to certain proteins so they can follow the flow of blood; combination of fats and proteins are called lipoproteins.Lipoprotein major ones are:- Chylomicrons- VLDL (very low density lipoproteins)- LDL (low density lipoproteins)- HDL (high density lipoproteins).Each type of lipoprotein has a different function and is broken down and disposed of in a slightly different way. For example, chylomicrons from the gut and carry certain types of fat that has been digested from the intestine into the bloodstream. A series of enzymes and then take the fat from the chylomicrons which are used as energy or to be stored in fat cells. In the end, the remaining chylomicrons (which the fat has been taken) removed from the bloodstream by the liver..Body regulate lipoprotein levels in several ways:1. Reduce the formation of lipoproteins and reduces the amount of lipoproteins into the blood2. Increase or decrease the speed of disposal of lipoproteins in the blood.Abnormal levels of fat in the blood circulation (especially cholesterol) can cause long term problems. The risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease or carotid artery disease increases a person who has a high total cholesterol levels.Low cholesterol levels are usually better than high cholesterol levels, but the levels are too low is also not good.The ideal total cholesterol is 140-200 mg / dL or less. If the total cholesterol level close to 300 mg / dL, then the risk of heart attack is more than 2 times..Not all cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol carried by LDL (so-called bad cholesterol) increases the risk; cholesterol carried by HDL (good cholesterol is also called) led to decrease the risk and benefit. Ideally, LDL cholesterol levels should not exceed 130 mg / dL and HDL cholesterol levels should not be less than 40 mg / dL..HDL levels should include more than 25% of the total cholesterol levels. As a risk factor of heart disease or stroke, total cholesterol level is not very important compared with a ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol or the ratio of LDL cholesterol by HDL cholesterol..Are high levels of triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease or stroke, remains unclear. Blood triglyceride levels above 250 mg / dL is considered abnormal, but high levels are not necessarily increase the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Triglyceride levels are very high (up to more than 800 mg / dL) can cause pancreatitis.