Hyperlipidemia (definition, types, symptoms, complications, signs and lab test)
Definition:
Hyperlipidemia, in its own definition, is an elevation of one or more cholesterol, phospholipids, and triglycerides.
Types of lipoprotein:
1- low density lipoprotein (LDL)
2- high density lipoprotein (HDL)
3- very low density lipoprotein(vLDL)
4- chylomicrons (CM)
Types of hyperlipidemia:
1- Type I ( high CM and triglycerides) : deficiency of lipoprotein lipase.
2- Type IIA ( high LDL and Ch): caused by defects in the synthesis or processing of LDL receptors.
3- Type IIB ( high vLDL): caused by overproduction of vLDL by the liver.
4- Type III ( high Intermediate density lipoprotein): Cause is either overproduction or
underutilization of IDL due to mutant
apolipoprotein E.
5- Type IV ( high vLDL): caused is decreased removal of vLDL and triglycerides in serum.
6- Type V ( high vLDL and Chylomicrons): Cause is either increased production or decreased clearance of VLDL and chylomicrons.
Symptoms that a patient with hyperlipidemia may experience:
- Chest pain
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty of speech and movements
- Abdominal pain
- Sudden death
A person who suffers from hyperlipidemia may not show symptoms directly, but it may take many years for these above symptoms to appear.
Signs that may appear in a person with hyperlipidemia:
- Pancreatitis
- Peripheral polyneuropathy
- High blood pressure
- Eruptive xanthomas
Laboratory tests recommended by the doctor to detect whether a person suffers from hyperlipidemia or not:
- total cholesterol
- Low density lipoprotein(LDL)
- High density lipoprotein (HDL)
- Very density lipoprotein ( vLDL)
- Triglycerides
- screening for vascular or heart disease.
Complications expected to occur in a patient with hyperlipidemia, especially if the hyperlipidemia is not treated:
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Coronary heart disease
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Coronary atherosclerosis