Updated: 9/26/23
Are you looking to take control of your heart health? It’s time to fight the battle against dyslipidemia with us! Dyslipidemia, or abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels, can lead to a variety of cardiovascular diseases. But the good news is that it’s manageable and preventable with lifestyle changes and targeted treatments. In this blog post, we will discuss how dyslipidemia works, what steps you should take towards managing your risk factors for abnormal cholesterol levels, and tips for leading a healthier lifestyle overall. So whether you’re dealing with current symptoms or looking for preventive measures – let’s get started.
What is Dyslipidemia?
Dyslipidemia is a term used to describe abnormal levels of fats or lipids in the blood. Cholesterol is one of the most important lipids in the body. The liver produces about 80% of it, and the remaining 20% is obtained from the food we eat. Cholesterol is not bad for our health, but an abnormal increase or decrease in its level can lead to serious health problems. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can lead to blocked arteries, heart attack, and stroke. According to the World Health Organization, dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases around the world. Fortunately, by following a healthy lifestyle and taking medication, dyslipidemia can be treated and managed.
Dyslipidemia can cause atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries and causes them to narrow. Patients may also suffer from a heart attack or stroke. It also doubles the risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States.
What is Cholesterol?
The liver produces cholesterol, but it is also present in meat, fish, dairy products and eggs. The body needs it to produce cell walls, hormones and vitamins, but high cholesterol levels are harmful. There are two agents that transport cholesterol in the veins—low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL can accumulate in veins as plaque that eventually blocks blood flow. This condition is called atherosclerosis, which causes high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attacks or strokes. HDL, on the other hand, helps the body remove cholesterol. To have healthy lipid levels, a patient should have low LDL and high HDL.
According to a 2019 update from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 73.5 million adults in the United States have high cholesterol, but less than half of that population receives treatment.
Dyslipidemia Symptoms
Lipid disorders do not usually cause noticeable symptoms. However, patients with high cholesterol may show physical signs. It may cause yellow lumps around the tendons and joints—the hands, feet and elbows. These are called xanthoma. The eyes may also have a white arc around the cornea. Cholesterol deposits can cause growths around the eyes. Studies also suggest a connection between cholesterol and hair loss. Researchers discovered that dietary fat intake can cause patients to lose their hair. Other symptoms include heartburn, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, vomiting and nausea and disrupted sleep patterns. The patient may also experience pain in the legs from walking or standing, as well as swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, stomach and veins in the neck.
Complications of Dyslipidemia
If patients do not receive treatment for dyslipidemia, the condition can cause complications. For example, patients can develop atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up in the arteries and blocks them, limiting blood flow throughout the body. This condition causes peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). PAD usually affects arteries in the legs, while CAD affects the coronary arteries that send blood flow to the heart. These disorders can trigger heart attacks and strokes.
High levels of triglycerides in the blood can cause a condition called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It occurs when there is fat buildup in the liver, leading to inflammation and damage. NAFLD, if left untreated, can lead to liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer.
Dyslipidemia can also increase your risk of developing pancreatitis, a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed and damaged. High levels of triglycerides in the blood can cause the pancreas to release digestive enzymes, leading to inflammation and pain.
What Causes Dyslipidemia
There are two types of dyslipidemia: primary and secondary, categorized according to the cause. Each category is defined by the factors that trigger the abnormal cholesterol levels.
Primary Dyslipidemia
Primary dyslipidemia is inherited, caused by genetic factors. Genetics play a significant role in determining one’s cholesterol levels, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Some people inherit genes that result in high levels of LDL cholesterol. In some cases, this may lead to early-onset heart diseases, even in people who maintain a healthy lifestyle. Abnormal blood lipid levels may develop from birth if the fetus is unable to remove LDL from the blood. For example, familial combined hypercholesterolemia develops in teenagers and young adults. They may eventually develop high cholesterol.
Other conditions include genetic mutation in apolipoproteins, a type of LDL lipoprotein (familial hyperapobetalipoproteinemia) and high levels of triglycerides, another type of fat (hypertriglyceridemia). Polygenic hypercholesterolemia also results from a genetic mutation in LDL receptors. Research links genetically high triglyceride levels to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Secondary Dyslipidemia
Lifestyle Factors and Drugs
Obesity and excess weight are significant contributors to dyslipidemia. People who are overweight or obese often have high levels of triglycerides, a type of fat that is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. In some cases, the condition develops as a result of lifestyle factors or medical conditions. For example, cholesterol levels can rise if a patient has an unhealthy diet high in fat. High alcohol intake may also increase triglyceride levels and smoking and some drugs can cause dyslipidemia. For example, synthetic estrogen and progestin, corticosteroids and anabolic steroids may interfere with healthy cholesterol levels.
Medical Conditions
Hypothyroidism, liver or kidney disease, and certain medications can also affect lipid levels in the blood. The endocrine system contains glands that produce hormones and endocrine disorders, such as thyroid disease, can raise lipid levels. Also, diabetes often causes high LDL and triglyceride levels and low HDL levels. Diabetic dyslipidemia is linked to insulin resistance. Lastly, atrial fibrillation is a condition that causes an irregular heartbeat. Researchers also discovered a connection between atrial fibrillation and abnormal cholesterol levels.
Treatment for Dyslipidemia
Medical Treatment
Lifestyle Changes
The first step in dyslipidemia treatment is to make positive lifestyle changes. These include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and adopting a heart-healthy diet. A heart-healthy diet should include foods that are low in saturated and trans fats, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish and poultry. Additionally, incorporating healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, and avocados can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels.
Also, avoiding unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and stress. A healthy lifestyle can help you lose weight, increase your fitness level, and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Medication for Dyslipidemia
Apart from lifestyle modifications, pharmacological intervention is another option that aims to manage dyslipidemia. Prescription medications, such as statins, fibrates, bile acid sequestrants, and niacin, are used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Statins, for example, work by blocking the enzyme that produces cholesterol in the body, and as a result, less LDL gets produced. The type of prescribed medication will depend on various factors such as the severity of the condition, age, gender, and current health status of the patient.
However, treatment depends on whether the patient has coronary artery disease or shows risks for it, such as diabetes. They may reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. For example, statin medications are one type of lipid-lowering drug that reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol the body absorbs from food. Other lipid-lowering medications include bile acid binders, fibric acid derivatives, niacin and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
If a patient cannot take medication, they may benefit from LDL apheresis. In this procedure, the doctor takes blood plasma from the body and runs it through a machine that removes LDL. It lowers levels by up to 83 percent, but the patient must receive the treatment every two weeks. It is also an option for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.
Surgical Intervention
In very rare cases where lifestyle changes, medication, and natural remedies have failed, surgical intervention may be necessary. One such procedure is apheresis, where blood is removed from the body, the cholesterol is filtered out, and the blood is then returned to the body. This method is for individuals with extremely high cholesterol levels who are at higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
Surgical interventions are less common than other treatment options and are usually conducted in extreme cases only. Surgical procedures, such as a bariatric surgery, are used to reduce the lipid levels in the body by physically reducing the fat stores in the body. However, it is essential to note that surgical intervention should only be considered when other forms of treatment have failed.
Diet for Dyslipidemia
Doctors usually recommend lifestyle changes before medication to lower cholesterol. For example, a doctor will recommend weight loss and a healthy, balanced diet. According to experts, at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week and quitting smoking will improve lipid levels in the blood. Patients with high cholesterol should avoid certain foods and replace them with healthier options.
Foods to Include
- Healthy oils (olive, corn and soybean)
- Fish, lean meat and chicken
- Low-fat dairy products
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds
Foods to Avoid
- Shortening, lard, butter and margarine
- Fatty, processed and organ meats
- Whole-fat dairy products
- Fried, processed, refined and sugary foods and snacks
- Sugary drinks and alcohol
Dyslipidemia vs Hyperlipidemia
While these two terms are closely related, there is a key difference between them. Dyslipidemia is simply an abnormal level of lipids in the blood, while hyperlipidemia is a condition in which the lipids’ levels are too high. Thus, it’s easier to say that hyperlipidemia is a type of dyslipidemia.
Supplements for Regulating Cholesterol
There are several natural supplements that may help patients normalize lipid levels. As with all supplements, it is always best to talk to a doctor if you are experiencing problems with your health. Supplements are by no means a substitute for legitimate medical advice. Instead, they aim to improve general health and well-being.
Berberine
Extracted from the phellodendron plant, berberine is a plant alkaloid that may maintain healthy cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Studies suggest that it may regulate blood lipids more effectively than standard medication. According to research, it significantly lowered subjects’ LDL by 25 percent, triglycerides by 35 percent and total cholesterol by 29 percent. The subjects’ HDL increased remarkably and insulin resistance reduced.
As a dietary supplement, the recommended dosage for berberine HCL powder is 500 mg (rounded ¼ tsp) twice a day, or as directed by a physician. Do not use this supplement for more than three months without a physician’s approval and diabetics should consult a medical professional.
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is an antioxidant amino acid that improves heart, muscular and cognitive health. It may also improve energy and athletic endurance. In studies, it prevented patients from experiencing the adverse side effects of statins. It also lowered cholesterol and insulin resistance and improved dyslipidemia in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
The recommended dosage for L-carnitine base powder as a dietary supplement is 500 mg up to four times a day. Taking it with GABA, CLA and Coenzyme Q10 may produce better results, but consult a doctor first. Those who suffer from heart problems, fatigue or a thyroid condition or who take other supplements or medication should consult with a physician before using L-carnitine.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that helps support heart function and regulate cholesterol levels. Although our bodies naturally produce CoQ10, its production decline as we age. Taking CoQ10 supplements can be beneficial as it helps support cellular activities, reduce inflammation, and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to studies on heart disease, it significantly improved LDL, total cholesterol and HDL levels and it also lowered blood pressure. In another study, adding COQ10 to statin therapy significantly reduced adverse effects. As a dietary supplement, the recommended dosage for Coenzyme Q10 (COQ10) powder is 50 to 200 mg, or following a physician’s instructions.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)
ALA is a compound in several different plant and animal foods. Alpha lipoic acid powder is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which may boost energy, heart health and weight loss. In several studies, it improved lipid profiles in patients with heart disease, diabetes, obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as those who suffer from strokes. As a dietary supplement, take 600 mg of R-alpha lipoic acid (R-ALA) powder one to two times a day.
Niacin
A form of Vitamin B3, the body produces niacin naturally but it is also present in foods. It may benefit heart health, memory and focus. Niacin can also enrich a vegetarian diet lacking in tryptophan from meat. According to studies, it is an effective treatment for lowering HDL by up to 25 percent and raising HDL by up to 35 percent. Researchers concluded that it keeps the body from removing HDL and lowers triglycerides by up to 50 percent. It may also be effective in people with diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The recommended dosage for niacin (Vitamin B3) powder as a dietary supplement is 100 to 500 mg a day with a meal, or following a physician’s instructions.
Red Yeast Rice
Fermented with Monascus purpureus yeast, red yeast rice contains monacolin K, a chemical identical to lovastatin. In studies, red yeast rice significantly lowered LDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol and increased HDL. It also lowers blood pressure and may have antidiabetic properties. In combination with berberine and Coenzyme Q10, it may effectively lower blood lipids and sugar. People who cannot tolerate statins may be able to use red yeast rice. As a dietary supplement, take 600 mg of red yeast rice extract powder up to twice a day with Coenzyme Q10 for optimal results.
Astragalus
Part of traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus is a root extract. Studies have suggested it may effectively modify lipids, lower cholesterol and protect the heart. The recommended dosage for astragalus extract powder is 1300 mg twice per day with a meal, with a physician’s approval.
The Bottom Line
Dyslipidemia is a prevalent condition that, when left untreated, could lead to potentially life-threatening health conditions. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available to help manage and reduce the impacts of dyslipidemia. Lifestyle changes, pharmacological interventions, nutritional supplements, alternative medicine, and combination therapies are all potential options manage lipid levels in the body. However, it is essential to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional to determine which treatment option is best for you.
Dyslipidemia can trigger a chain reaction of serious conditions in the body. For example, high cholesterol can cause atherosclerosis, in which plaque builds up and blocks the arteries. It restricts blood flow to the heart and other organs. This condition can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Usually doctors recommend exercise and dietary changes to regulate cholesterol. But some patients may require medication. Also, there are supplements that research suggests may help manage lipid levels and reduce the risk of further complications. However, supplements are not a proper treatment for any medical condition. They are to promote overall health.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease