Dyslipidemia: Everything You Need to Know

The abnormal levels of cholesterol and other lipids and fats in the blood is medically termed as dyslipidemia. The condition is known to have many adverse effects on the health of an individual. That is why the body’s cholesterol levels need to be kept in check. We have tried to explain all the facts related to this health condition in order to make people more aware. Read along to know.

Desirable Levels of Good and Bad Cholesterol in the Body

The general levels of cholesterol in the body are decided based on the general people. However, when the risk of increased cholesterol runs in the family, one needs to be extra careful. In such cases, the considered average should be less than the decided mark to stay on the safer side. 

Here are the regular cholesterol goals for all people:

• The total cholesterol level for common people should be less than 200 mg/dL.
• The HDL Cholesterol level required is different for men and women. Men should have it above 40 mg/dL while women should have it above 50 mg/dL.
• For common people, LDL Cholesterol should be below 100 mg/dL. In the case of people suffering from diabetes or other health diseases, it should be below 70 mg/dL.
• Apart from these, the triglycerides in the body should be below 150 mg/dL.

Different Types of High Cholesterol in the Body

Dyslipidemia is undesirable and there are many types of this health condition too. 

Here we have listed out the different types of dyslipidemia:

• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) is also referred to as good cholesterol. In this variation, the amount of good cholesterol in the body reduces.
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is also referred to as bad cholesterol. In this variation, the bad cholesterol in the body increases.
• High levels of triglycerides are the third type of this condition.

Causes of Increase in Cholesterol Levels

Now that we know that higher levels of cholesterol in the body can be bad for the body, let us look at how these increases. We need to understand how cholesterol levels increase in some people while it stays normal in others. 

Here are some of the clues of how undesirable cholesterol levels increase in the body:

• Sometimes, medications that you are prescribed for certain health conditions may cause an increase in bad cholesterol in the body.
• Some people have a family history of increased cholesterol levels. These people are more prone to conditions like Dyslipidemia.
• Women who have issues like polycystic ovary syndrome could be more prone to developing higher cholesterol levels.
• People who suffer from lower levels of thyroid hormone also suffer from cholesterol level variations.
• It is known that overweight and obese people have more chances of developing Dyslipidemia.
• People with metabolic syndrome and Cushing syndrome also have a higher risk of developing dyslipidemia.
• Diabetes and cholesterol levels are always interlinked. People with diabetes are sure to have higher levels of cholesterol.

Ways to Keep Cholesterol Levels in Check

Now that we have understood the facts related to this health condition, let us also read how to manage health and keep cholesterol levels in check. 

Here is the mantra:

Try Some Effective Lifestyle Changes

• A balanced diet can ensure that your cholesterol levels stay normal. Try to include fruits, nuts, dairy, meat, and fish in your diet in a balanced proportion.
• Exercise helps not just to keep the body weight in check but also keeps a person de-stressed. It is a great idea to exercise on a regular basis to stay fit.
• Thanks to effective campaigns, most of us today already know the hazards of smoking. Yet, if you are still pondering whether or not, here is one more reason. Smoking affects the body’s metabolism and hence may increase bad cholesterol levels in the blood. Quit smoking today!
• Reduce your body weight in case you are overweight or obese. Excess weight gain is associated with several poor health conditions.

Consult a Physician

Sometimes, just changing lifestyle may not help. That is why you need to consult a doctor and find out what he thinks about taking cholesterol medicines. He will advise you to take medicines only if there is no use with just lifestyle changes.

Health Risks That May Be Posed as a Result of Dyslipidemia

An increase in cholesterol levels may not seem like a problem until you read about the complications that may arise as a result. That is why we have listed out some possible complications of high cholesterol levels. Read along and educate yourself:

Hypothyroidism: The thyroid hormone has a great role to play in the body’s metabolism. When there is a dearth of this hormone, it naturally affects the body’s metabolism and the level of lipids in the body varies. Increased levels of cholesterol in the body may also affect the thyroid functioning as these two conditions are interrelated.

Diabetes: The body’s blood sugar levels increase when a person is suffering from diabetes. Increased bad cholesterol in the body is among the top signs indicative of the higher risk of diabetes. Similarly, a diabetes patient also has a higher chance of developing increased levels of cholesterol in the body as these two conditions are related.

Metabolic Syndrome: Genetic factors often result in metabolic syndrome. At least three of the listed symptoms indicate metabolic syndrome:

• Increased glucose levels in the body
• Reduced levels of HDL or good cholesterol in the body.
• A higher number of triglycerides in the body
• Higher blood pressure
• Greater circumference of the waist

Individuals with metabolic syndrome have greater chances of developing dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.

Also Read: Hypertension Treatment

Polycystic Ovary Disorder: Women with Polycystic Ovary Disorder have multiple painless cysts in their ovaries. These women are also insulin resistant and more often overweight.

The common symptoms that are indicative of this health condition are:

• Acne and skin infections
• The greater amount of hair on the face and body
• Infertility
• Irregular or absent menstrual periods
• Weight problems
• Thinning hair on the head

Women with polycystic ovary disorder also tend to low levels of HDL and higher levels of triglycerides. This puts them at greater risk of cardiovascular health problems.

Bottom line

Cholesterol level changes can cause several health problems. It is time to understand the seriousness of this health issue and take the right steps to avoid other complications.