Hyperlipidemia, which is of interest to the cardiology outpatient clinic of our hospital, is important because it is a life-threatening disease.

What Is Hyperlipidemia?

Hyperlipidemia caused by high cholesterol is an insidious disease. An increase in the rate of fat in the blood and abnormal changes in fats cause hyperlipidemia. In healthy individuals, LDL cholesterol level should be below 130mgr/dL, triglyceride level should be below 150mgr/dl and total cholesterol level should be below 200mgr/dL. HDL cholesterol levels should be above 40mgr/dL in women and 50mgr/dL in men.

What Are The Causes of Hyperlipidemia?

Although there is no single cause of hyperlipid emia, genetic factors, slowing metabolism, diet and lifestyle, smoking and alcohol consumption, diabetes and thyroid diseases can often cause hyperlipidemia. Genetically induced hyperlipidemia is called primary hyperlipidemia. Secondary hyperlipidemia is caused by other causes.

What Are The Symptoms of Hyperlipidemia?

Hyperlipidemia, a disease that does not manifest itself immediately but progresses sneakily, has symptoms such as fatty plaques and cholesterol formation around the eyes and joints and high triglycerides. Growth in the spleen is another symptom and there is abdominal pain as a more noticeable symptom during daily life.

Diagnosis of Hyperlipidemia

Precautions should be taken from high cholesterol before cardiovascular disease occurs, so early diagnosis is important. Regular doctor checks should be made for early diagnosis, these checks can be once a year or once every six months. By measuring the lipid value in the blood, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL are checked and the diagnosis is determined according to the results.

Treatment of Hyperlipidemia

Treatment is planned by organizing nutrition and exercise, not drugs, in the first place for hyperlipidemia. Lifestyle change is a part of hyperlipidemia treatment that should not be skipped. Even if medication is administered, the person should always pay attention to his diet.

Reducing the consumption of red meat in relation to the diet, preferring grilling or boiling instead of frying, increasing omega 3 consumption and consuming foods that do not contain saturated fat are part of the treatment. The daily amount of cholesterol should not exceed 300 mg.

Exercise recommended for our heart health reduces bad fats in the body as part of the treatment. Patient-friendly, physician-planned exercise will have a significant impact on health.

Drug therapy is initiated if good results have not been achieved after a certain period of time as a result of diet and exercise programs. The aim of drug therapy is to lower blood cholesterol levels, protect heart health, and prevent arterial occlusion.

Our cardiologist will determine the most appropriate treatment method for you after the diagnosis and will help you if necessary in cooperation with our dietitian and other medical units.