The reasons for the increase in the level of fats in the blood are means of normalization. Hyperlipidemia - what is it? Hyperlipidemia: causes, symptoms, treatment Hyperlipoproteinemia 2a

Cholesterol in blood vessels is the cause of hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemias are common: Almost 25% of the adult population has plasma cholesterol levels greater than 5 mmol/l. Since this increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, timely treatment of hyperlipidemia is very important. When examining a patient with hyperlipidemia, first of all, it is necessary to exclude its secondary origin, i.e., establish the causes, for example, diseases of the liver and biliary system, obesity, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, unhealthy diet and alcohol abuse. In most cases, hyperlipidemia is multifactorial, i.e., caused by both external causes and genetic predisposition. Some forms of hyperlipidemia are primary and genetically determined. Their classification is based on this fact. When a diagnosis of hyperlipidemia is confirmed, all members of the patient's family should be examined.

Risk factors

In most patients, hyperlipidemia can only be corrected by an appropriate diet. Considerable efforts in clinics during treatment are aimed at eliminating other risk factors in patients with lipid metabolism disorders, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, smoking, as well as correcting impaired lipid metabolism. The use of drugs that lower blood lipid levels is justified only in a relatively small number of patients with large changes in the lipid profile in order to reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease.

Biochemical diagnosis is based on the results of a blood test taken from the patient 14 hours after eating. If there is a question about treatment throughout the patient’s life, the study is repeated 2-3 times at weekly intervals. In patients with recurrent myocardial infarction and other severe diseases, the concentration of triglycerides in plasma is increased and cholesterol is decreased. Their lipid profile is not stable for 3 months after the acute period of the disease. However, indicators obtained in the first 24 hours after the development of the pathological process, when significant changes in metabolism have not yet occurred, can be considered quite informative.

Lipoproteins and hyperlipidemia

Triglycerides supplied with food in the bloodstream are converted into chylomicrons, the number of which progressively decreases during the process of lipolysis. This process is carried out with the participation of the enzyme lipoprotein lipase, which is associated with the endothelium of capillaries in certain tissues, including adipose tissue, skeletal muscle and myocardium. Fatty acids released during lipolysis are absorbed by tissues, and the remaining chylomicrons are eliminated by the liver. Endogenous triglycerides are synthesized by the liver and circulate in a state bound to very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL). They are eliminated from the bloodstream using the same lipolytic mechanism that is involved in the elimination of exogenous triglycerides. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL), formed during the metabolism of triglycerides, represent the main system for delivering cholesterol to tissues in humans. These are rather small molecules that, passing through the vascular endothelium, bind to specific receptors with high affinity for LDL on cell membranes and enter cells by pinocytosis. Intracellular cholesterol is necessary for the growth and restoration of membrane structures, as well as for the formation of steroids.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are cholesterol-rich particles that act as transport intermediaries that mobilize peripheral cholesterol, for example from the vascular wall, and transfer it to the liver for elimination. Thus, they function as protectors in coronary heart disease.

Types of hyperlipidemia

There are several types of hyperlipidemia. Type 1 (rare) is characterized by high levels of chylomicrons and triglycerides in the blood due to lipoprotein lipase deficiency and is accompanied by abdominal pain, pancreatitis and xanthomatous rashes.

Type 2a (common) is characterized by high blood concentrations of both LDL and cholesterol and is associated with a risk of coronary heart disease. These patients make up 0.2% of the population, and their familial hypercholesterolemia is inherited in a heterozygous monogenic manner, which leads to the premature development of severe heart disease and xanthomatosis.

Type 2b (common) is characterized by high concentrations of LDL and VLDL, cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and is associated with a risk of coronary heart disease.

Type 3 (rare) is characterized by a high level of so-called floating 3-lipoproteins, cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood due to a hereditary apolipoprotein abnormality, combined with xanthomatosis on the palmar surfaces, coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular diseases.

Type 4 (common) is characterized by high levels of VLDL and triglycerides in the blood, can be accompanied by obesity, diabetes and alcoholism, and leads to the development of coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular disease.

Type 5 (rare) is characterized by high blood levels of chylomicrons, VLDL, and triglycerides. Some of these metabolic changes may be due to alcohol abuse or diabetes. Patients of this type often develop pancreatitis.

Drugs for the treatment of hyperlipidemia

Cholestyramine (Questran) is available in the form of packets containing 4 g of the drug, and is an ion exchange resin that binds bile acids in the intestines. Bile acids formed in the liver from cholesterol enter the intestine with bile and are reabsorbed in the upper parts of the small intestine. In total, the body contains 3-5 g of bile acids, but due to enterohepatic recirculation, which occurs 5-10 times a day, an average of 20-30 g of bile acids enters the intestines daily. By binding to cholestyramine, they are excreted in the feces and the depletion of their reserves in the depot stimulates the conversion of bile acids into cholesterol, as a result of which the level of the latter, in particular LDL, in the plasma decreases by 20-25%. However, in some patients, the biosynthesis of cholesterol may compensatoryly increase in the liver. The daily dose of cholestyramine is 16-24 g, but sometimes up to 36 g/day is required to correct the lipid profile. This dose is too large (9 packets of 4 g per day), which is inconvenient for patients. Almost half of them taking cholestyramine develop side effects (constipation, sometimes anorexia, bloating, and less often diarrhea). Since the drug binds anions, when combined with warfarin, digoxin, thiazide diuretics, phenobarbital and thyroid hormones, it should be taken into account that their absorption is reduced, so these drugs should be taken an hour before taking cholestyramine.

Colestipol (Colestid) is similar to cholestyramine.

Nicotinic acid (available in 100 mg doses) reduces plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Perhaps its effect is due to an antilipolytic effect in adipose tissue, as a result of which the level of non-esterified fatty acids, which are the substrate from which lipoproteins are synthesized in the liver, decreases. To treat patients with hyperlipidemia, use 1-2 g of nicotinic acid 3 times a day (normally, the body's need for it is less than 30 mg/day). In this case, the patient’s facial skin often turns red and the function of the digestive tract is disrupted. With a gradual increase in dose over 6 weeks, adverse reactions are less pronounced and tolerance develops.

Nicofuranose (tetranicotinoylfructose, Bradylan), an ester of fructose and nicotinic acid, may be better tolerated by patients.

Clofibrate (Atromid; available in 500 mg doses) inhibits lipid synthesis in the liver, reducing plasma cholesterol levels by 10-15%. In patients with type 3 hyperlipidemia, the effect may be twice as pronounced. Clofibrate is easily absorbed from the digestive tract and is highly bound to plasma proteins. Its action ceases as a result of metabolism in the liver, in addition, it is excreted unchanged in the urine. In an amount of 500 mg, it is taken 2-3 times a day after meals. Side effects are mild, but acute myalgia sometimes develops, especially in hypoproteinemic conditions such as nephrotic syndrome, when the concentration of free substance is unusually high. Results from a placebo-controlled study of 15,475 patients showed that when clofibrate was used for the primary prevention of myocardial infarction, the incidence of myocardial infarction was 25% lower in patients receiving the active drug. However, what was unexpected was the increase in the frequency of deaths from diseases not related to coronary heart disease, which remained unexplained (report of the Committee of Leading Researchers. Br. Heart J., 1978; Lancet, 1984). In patients taking clofibrate, the incidence of calculous cholecystitis, requiring surgical treatment, increased. When used in combination with oral anticoagulants, furosemide and sulfourea derivatives, interactions may occur as a result of their competition with clofibrate for binding to plasma albumin. In this regard, the concentration in the blood of pharmacologically active non-protein-bound compounds increases, which leads to an increase in the effects of these drugs when prescribed in therapeutic doses. In many countries, clofibrate as a lipid-lowering agent is prohibited for long-term use.

Benzafibrate (Bezalip) is similar in action to clofibrate. It reduces plasma levels of triglycerides and cholesterol.

Probucol (Lurcell) increases the excretion of bile acids and reduces the biosynthesis of cholesterol, resulting in a decrease in the concentration of lipids in the plasma of both low and high density, which have protective properties. Usually the drug is well tolerated by patients, but some of them develop disorders of the digestive tract and abdominal pain.

Treatment of hyperlipidemia depending on its type

Treatment for hyperlipidemia should be carried out taking into account some general provisions. Firstly, you must first try to influence any pathology that can cause lipid metabolism disorders, for example diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism.

Secondly, they adjust the diet: a) reduce the amount of calories consumed in case of excess body weight until it normalizes (of course, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of alcohol and animal fats); cessation of alcohol consumption is accompanied by a decrease in the level of triglycerides in the blood; b) patients whose body weight is not decreasing or is already normal should eat less fat; animal fats should be replaced with polyunsaturated fats or oils. Following a special diet, for example, excluding egg yolk, sweets, and meat, is not necessary, since reducing fat intake is quite effective.

Third, for certain types of hyperlipidemia, appropriate treatment is recommended.

Type 1 (sometimes type 5). Reduce the amount of dietary fat to 10% of the total calories consumed, which can be achieved by partially replacing fats with medium-chain triglycerides, which, without entering the general bloodstream as part of chylomicrons, enter directly into the liver through the portal system.

Type 2a. Hyperlipidemia is usually corrected by following a diet, but with a hereditary form, it is almost always necessary to prescribe ion exchange resins (cholestyramine or colestipol), and often other agents.

Types 2b and 4. As a rule, patients suffer from obesity, diabetes, alcoholism, and they have errors in nutrition. These disorders can be corrected by following a diet. In resistant cases, nicotinic acid, clofibrate or bezafibrate are additionally prescribed.

Type 3. Usually, it is enough for patients to follow a diet, but sometimes they have to be prescribed the drugs clofibrate or bezafibrate, which are highly effective for this type of hyperlipidemia. Difficult-to-correct types include hereditary hyperlipidemia type 2a and severe types 3, 4 and 5; these patients should be examined by a specialist.

What should you do after reading this article? If you suffer from hyperlipidemia, first of all try to change your lifestyle, and then, on the recommendation of your doctor, select a drug. If you are over 40 and don’t know your cholesterol status, take the time to take a blood test. Perhaps timely treatment of hypercholesterolemia will become an important method for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Be healthy!

Hyperlipoproteinemia (hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia)- increased content of fats (lipids) in the blood. At hyperlipoproteinemia The concentration of lipoproteins - complex compounds of protein and fats - may also increase. Hyperlipoproteinemia occurs quite often, it can occur without any symptoms and is determined only on the basis of laboratory tests. This condition is associated primarily with the development of atherosclerosis, which is the cause of many cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Occasionally hyperlipoproteinemia promotes the development of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), cramping abdominal pain, neuropathy, and wandering arthritis.

Exists primary hyperlipoproteinemia arising as a result of genetic predisposition, and secondary hyperlipoproteinemia - one of the symptoms of various diseases associated with metabolic disorders. The choice of treatment depends on the type of hyperlipoproteinemia:

Hyperlipoproteinemia type I

A very rare type of hyperlipoproteinemia. It is characterized by a high content of chylomicrons (one of the types of lipoproteins) and triglycerides in the blood plasma. Cholesterol levels may be normal or slightly elevated. When the patient's blood stands in the refrigerator, after a day a creamy layer consisting of chylomicrons forms above the transparent plasma.

In this form of the disease, the lipid content increases sharply after eating fatty foods and decreases after a strict diet. Patients (sometimes from childhood) experience abdominal pain and recurring inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). The disease begins to manifest itself before the age of 10 years. For this type of hyperlipoproteinemia, the development of atherosclerosis is not typical.

Hyperlipoproteinemia type II

This is the most common form of the disease - about 30% of cases of hyperlipoproteinemia. Characterized by an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol LDL. Depending on hereditary factors, the disease can be detected both in childhood and over 30 years of age.

Externally, characteristic yellowish fatty tumors (xanthomas) are observed in the area of ​​the Achilles tendon, extensor tendons of the feet and hands. Signs of early atherosclerosis are often observed, and cases of death from myocardial infarction in childhood and adolescence have been described.

Hyperlipoproteinemia type II is divided into types IIa and IIb depending on the triglyceride content:

Hyperlipoproteinemia type I I a: It can be either congenital or result from poor nutrition. The hereditary form is manifested by fatty tumors (xanthomas) and early development of cardiovascular diseases. Triglyceride levels are normal. It is quite rare.

Hyperlipoproteinemia type I I b: characterized by elevated levels of triglycerides in the blood. A common form of the disease.

Hyperlipoproteinemia type III

A very rare hereditary form of hyperlipoproteinemia, which is manifested by an increase in the content of chylomicrons (one of the types of lipoproteins) and intermediate-density lipoproteins. The disease manifests itself in childhood. Characteristic signs are yellowish-brown fat deposits in the skin of the palmar lines, fatty tumors (xanthomas) in the tendon area, and obesity. Fatty liver and elevated uric acid levels in the blood are common. Many patients develop diabetes mellitus. Patients exhibit various manifestations of atherosclerosis: coronary heart disease, damage to the blood vessels of the legs.

Hyperlipoproteinemia type IV

The most common type of hyperlipoproteinemia (about 70% of all cases), associated with impaired triglyceride metabolism. Hyperlipoproteinemia type IV is detected only in middle age. Increases after intake of carbohydrates and alcohol. Often its appearance is associated with the presence of diabetes mellitus in the family. The disease is characterized by enlargement of the liver as a result of fat deposition. Many patients develop atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, and sometimes patients become obese.

Hyperlipoproteinemia type V

Hyperlipoproteinemia type V is a very rare disorder detected in adolescence or young adults. Appears over the age of 20; Patients experience obesity, fatty tumors (xanthomas), and often abdominal pain. Sometimes latent or moderately severe diabetes mellitus is detected. Coronary heart disease is observed less frequently than with hyperlipoproteinemia types IIa, III and IV.

Hyperlipidemia is a pathological condition characterized by the accumulation of substances harmful to the body in the blood, namely cholesterol, fats and triglycerides. In medicine, the common name most often used for them is lipids. It is from this term that the name of this pathology comes.

general information

Hyperlipidemia is not a disease, but one of the very serious diagnostic syndromes. In clinical practice, this problem occurs quite often. Many patients do not even suspect its existence for a long time, and only find out during the next preventive examination.

Despite the fact that hyperlipidemia is diagnosed frequently and is mostly asymptomatic, it should not be ignored. Increased levels of fats, cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood lead to the development of many diseases, including atherosclerosis. That is why patients with this diagnosis need not only constant monitoring, but also appropriate treatment.

Main reasons

Unlike many hereditary and acquired diseases, the occurrence of which cannot be influenced in any way, hyperlipidemia is a clear indicator of the lifestyle a particular person adheres to in practice. The thing is that pathology develops as a result of the penetration into the body of those substances that come with food. In this case, we are not talking about one-time use, but about regular use.

In addition, experts name a number of factors that inevitably lead to the development of pathology:

  • Hypertonic disease.
  • Bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol).
  • Thyroid diseases.
  • Hereditary predisposition.
  • Physical inactivity.
  • Unhealthy and unbalanced diet.
  • Obesity.

Symptoms

As noted above, hyperlipidemia is not an independent disease, but a special syndrome. That is why there is no need to talk about any of its clinical signs. Even elevated lipid concentrations are only detected during a medical examination. Taking this into account, doctors strongly recommend that all people over 20 years of age undergo an annual test to determine the concentration of these substances in the blood.

Meanwhile, the patient’s condition can only worsen over time, provoking the development of a rather serious disease called atherosclerosis. As a rule, only at this stage may the patient begin to suspect that the body is not working correctly, that is, it is time to check his health. As a result, hyperlipidemia is diagnosed.

Symptoms of a nonspecific nature can manifest themselves in the form of an increase in the size of the spleen, as well as xanthoma (fatty deposits in the skin).

Classification

The modern classification of this pathology was developed back in 1965 by Donald Fredickson. It was subsequently recommended as the main standard. How is hyperlipidemia classified? Classification:

  • Type I. Diagnosed extremely rarely. Occurs primarily due to a defect in the lipoprotein lipase enzyme or due to a deficiency of this enzyme. There is a sharp increase in blood lipid levels after eating fatty foods. That is why in this case the main method of treatment is normalization of nutrition.
  • Type II. This is the most common type of pathology. It often leads to the development of atherosclerosis and even causes myocardial infarction.
  • Type III. This is hereditary hyperlipidemia. People suffering from this pathology are prone to developing gout, diabetes, and obesity.
  • Type IV. In this case, there is an increased level of triglycerides in the blood, and their number increases noticeably immediately after consuming alcoholic beverages.
  • Type V. Doctors with this form note an increased level of lipoproteins, and with an excessively low density. Due to this pathology, patients have an increased risk of developing pancreatitis.

Other types of hyperlipidemia are also distinguished. The classification is based on the predominant content of certain substances in the blood related to this syndrome. In accordance with this, two forms of pathology are distinguished:

  • Hypo-beta lipoproteinemia.
  • Hypo-alpha lipoproteinemia.

Diagnostics

Taking into account the fact that the pathology does not have a clearly defined clinical picture, and the types of hyperlipidemia described above have their differences, diagnosis should be based solely on Depending on the level of lipids, their fraction, the doctor suggests appropriate therapy. In addition, the hematologist must conduct a differential diagnosis with other diseases.

What should the treatment be?

First of all, it is necessary to note that the accumulated lipids in the blood will not go away on their own. In order to normalize their level, patients are advised to radically reconsider their lifestyle. You should reduce your consumption of foods with bad cholesterol. This step allows you not only to improve your general condition, but also to minimize disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.

In patients diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, treatment involves following a certain diet. It is recommended to give up junk food, alcoholic drinks, everything fatty and fried. The diet should consist of steamed or baked dishes. It is allowed to eat lean meat, fish, large amounts of fresh vegetables and herbs. We should not forget about

When obesity and this pathology are combined, it is recommended to include physical education in your life. At first, even the most ordinary one can have a positive effect on your health.

If, after a certain time, the tests have not returned to normal, the doctor most often decides to prescribe drug therapy. It is, first of all, dictated by the high likelihood of developing heart disease and atherosclerosis. The thing is that these diseases most often accompany such pathology as hyperlipidemia. Treatment in this case includes taking statins (lower cholesterol levels in the blood), fibrates and choleretic drugs.

Remember, the sooner this pathology is detected and treatment is prescribed, the faster the recovery will go. Be healthy!

What is Hyperlipoproteinemia type II

Hyperlipoproteinemia type II (hypercholesterolemia) accounts for about 30% of cases of hyperlipidemia and is associated with decreased catabolism or increased synthesis of beta-lipoproteins.

What causes hyperlipoproteinemia type II?

Type IIa hyperbetalipoproteinemia is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.

Pathogenesis (what happens?) during Hyperlipoproteinemia type II

Hereditary hyperlipoproteinemia type IIa develops as a result of a mutation in the LDL receptor gene (0.2% of the population) or the apoB gene (0.2% of the population).

Symptoms of Hyperlipoproteinemia type II

Clinical manifestations in homozygotes occur in childhood, in heterozygotes - at the age of over 30 years. Characteristic xanthomas in the area of ​​the Achilles tendon, extensor tendons of the feet and hands, and periorbital xanthelasmas. Signs of early atherosclerosis are often observed, and cases of death from myocardial infarction in childhood and adolescence have been described.

Sometimes combined with corneal lipid arch and xanthomatosis. It is characterized by a high risk of rapid and early (even in the 2-3rd decade of life) development of atherosclerosis or sudden death.

Diagnosis of hyperlipoproteinemia type II

The content of β-lipoproteins in the blood is increased, the amount of cholesterol is sharply increased, the concentration of triglycerides is normal, the cholesterol: triglycerides ratio is more than 1.5. Blood plasma after standing in the refrigerator for 12-24 h remains transparent.

Treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia type II

Treatment comes down to pathogenetic correction of metabolic and clinical syndromes.

For patients with primary and secondary hyperlipoproteinemia and normal body weight, a 4-fold meal is recommended, for obesity 5-6-fold, since rare meals contribute to an increase in body weight, a decrease in glucose tolerance, the occurrence of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. The main caloric intake of the diet should occur in the first half of the day. for example, with 5 meals a day, the 1st breakfast should be 25% of the daily calorie content, the 2nd breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner, respectively, 15, 35, 10 and 15%. General strengthening therapy is also carried out; for obesity, sufficient physical activity is necessary.

In type I hyperlipoproteinemia, heparin and other lipid-lowering agents have no effect. In pediatric practice, it is preferable to use drugs with a milder effect: cholestyramine, clofibrate, etc. In some cases, to make it easier for the patient to adapt to the diet, anorexigenic drugs are prescribed for a short period of time.

Effective treatments for alipoproteinemia and hypolipoproteinemia have not been developed.

Which doctors should you contact if you have Hyperlipoproteinemia type II?

Cardiologist

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The materials are published for informational purposes only and are not a prescription for treatment! We recommend that you consult a hematologist at your medical institution!

Hyperlipidemia syndrome develops in many diseases, making their course more severe and leading to the development of complications. Prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia are very important for the prevention of atherosclerosis, normal functioning of organs, and a long and active life.

What are lipids, lipoproteins and hyperlipidemia?

There is an opinion that fats are harmful to the body. It's not like that at all. Fats are the most important component of all living organisms, without which life is impossible. They are the main “energy station”; through chemical reactions they produce the energy necessary for metabolism and cell renewal.

Fats become harmful when their content is excessive, especially certain types that lead to atherosclerosis and other diseases - low-density lipids, or atherogenic ones. All fatty substances in the body are divided into 2 groups according to their chemical composition:

  1. Lipids.
  2. Lipoproteins.

Lipids

The name comes from the Greek lipos - fat. This is a whole group of fat-forming substances in the body, including:

  • fatty acids (saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated);
  • triglycerides;
  • phospholipids;
  • cholesterol.

The fatty acids that everyone knows about and which play a big role in the development of atherosclerosis are saturated ones. They are found in animal products. Unsaturated acids, on the contrary, prevent the development of atherosclerosis; they are found in vegetable oils and seafood (omega 3, omega 6, omega 9 and others).

Triglycerides are neutral fats, derivatives of glycerol, which are the main suppliers of energy. Their increased content contributes to the development of diseases. Phospholipids contain a phosphoric acid residue and are necessary for the maintenance of nervous tissue.

Finally, everyone knows cholesterol - the main culprit of many diseases, and the most common “disease of the century” - atherosclerosis. It comes in 2 types: high density, or “ good cholesterol", and low density, or " bad cholesterol" It is this substance that is deposited in organs, causing fatty degeneration, in blood vessels, causing circulatory problems.

Lipoproteins

These are more complex compounds, including lipids and protein molecules. They are divided into:

  • chylomicrons, which perform a transport function, deliver fat from the intestines to tissues and organs, including promoting its deposition in the subcutaneous tissue;
  • lipoproteins of various densities - high (HDL), low (LDL), intermediate (LDL) and very low (LDL).

Lipoproteins and low-density lipids, chylomicrons contribute to the accumulation of fatty substances and “bad” cholesterol in the body, that is, the development of hyperlipidemia, against which diseases develop.

The normal content of major fatty substances in the blood is presented in the table:

What are the causes of hyperlipidemia?

Many organs play a role in the metabolism of fats in the body: liver, kidneys, endocrine system (thyroid gland, pituitary gland, gonads), and also influence lifestyle, nutrition, and so on. We also recommend that you study the information on our portal. Therefore, the causes of hyperlipidemia may be the following:

  • poor nutrition, excess intake of fatty substances;
  • liver dysfunction (with cirrhosis, hepatitis);
  • impaired renal function (with hypertension, pyelonephritis, renal sclerosis);
  • decreased thyroid function (myxedema);
  • dysfunction of the pituitary gland (pituitary obesity);
  • diabetes;
  • decreased function of the gonads;
  • long-term use of hormonal drugs;
  • chronic alcohol intoxication;
  • hereditary characteristics of fat metabolism.

Important: You should not think that the listed reasons necessarily lead to obesity. We are talking about hyperlipidemia - an increased content of fatty substances in the blood and organs, and not about subcutaneous fat deposits.

Classification, types of hyperlipidemia

For reasons of increased lipids in the body, there are 3 types of pathology:

  • primary hyperlipidemia(hereditary, family), associated with genetic characteristics of fat metabolism;
  • secondary developing against the background of diseases (liver, kidneys, endocrine system);
  • nutritional associated with excess fat consumption.

There is also a classification of hyperlipidemia depending on which fraction of lipids is in high concentration in the blood:

  1. With an increase in triglyceride concentrations.
  2. With an increased concentration of “bad” cholesterol (LDL), hyperlipidemia type 2a is the most common.
  3. With an increase in the content of chylomicrons.
  4. With increased concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol.
  5. With increased concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol and chylomicrons.
  6. With increased triglyceride content and normal chylomicron content.

This distribution is important from a clinical point of view, that is, the doctor can use a blood test to determine which disease may be more likely in a given patient. Most often in practice, mixed hyperlipidemia occurs, that is, with an increase in the content of all fat components.

Symptoms and diagnosis of hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia itself is not a disease, but a syndrome against which other diseases develop. Therefore, it as such does not have any symptoms, but the diseases it has already caused appear.

For example, an increased concentration of cholesterol leads to atherosclerotic damage to blood vessels - the arteries of the heart, brain, kidneys, and limbs. Accordingly, clinical symptoms appear:

  • with atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels - pain in the heart (angina attacks), shortness of breath, rhythm disturbances; in severe cases, memory loss, sensory disturbances, speech and mental disorders may develop, and acute cerebrovascular accident (stroke) may develop;
  • with atherosclerosis of the vessels of the extremities - muscle pain, increased chilliness, thinning of the skin, nails, trophic disorders, areas of necrosis on the fingers, gangrene;
  • with atherosclerosis of the renal vessels - impaired glomerular filtration, arterial hypertension, development of renal failure, shrinkage of the kidney.

Diet therapy

Nutrition for hyperlipidemia should contain a minimum of fat - no more than 30%. It is recommended to replace animal fats with vegetable oils, not refined ones containing polyunsaturated fatty acids (sunflower, olive, flaxseed, sesame). It is recommended to take them raw, that is, without heat treatment. You should also reduce the amount of carbohydrates - sweet foods, flour and confectionery products.

Food should contain a large amount of coarse fiber - at least 40-50 g per day, it is found in raw vegetables and fruits, cereals, legumes, herbs, and they also contain many vitamins and microelements. Artichokes, pineapple, citrus fruits, and celery are recommended as fat-burning foods. Alcohol, which contains large amounts of carbohydrates, is contraindicated.

Statins

This is a whole group of drugs that block the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, necessary for the synthesis of cholesterol. Practice has shown that regular use of statins reduces the number of heart attacks and strokes by 30-45%. The most popular are simvastatin, lovastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin and others.

Cleansing the body

This refers to cleansing of accumulated toxins and excess nutrients. It is recommended to periodically take sorbents, which are also available in a large selection. These are activated carbon, sorbex, enterosgel, polysorb, atoxol and others. Chitosan, a preparation made from crustacean shell powder, has proven itself to be highly effective in adsorbing and removing fat molecules from the intestines.

In severe cases of hyperlipidemia, extracorporeal blood purification is performed in a hospital setting. The patient’s venous system is connected to a device with many membrane filters, passes through them and returns back, already cleared of “bad” lipids.

Important: The use of sorbents should be agreed with your doctor. Excessive passion for them can lead to the removal from the body, in addition to fat and toxins, of useful and necessary substances.

Increasing physical activity

Exercise therapy for hyperlipidemia is a prerequisite for improving blood circulation, removing lipids and reducing their sedimentation in blood vessels and organs. Also, any sports, games, walking, cycling, visiting the pool, just hygienic exercises in the morning - everyone can choose for themselves according to their taste and capabilities. The main thing is to eliminate physical inactivity.

Is prevention possible?

Unless hyperlipidemia is associated with organic pathology, heredity and hormonal disorders, then it is quite possible to prevent it. And this prevention is not the “discovery of America”, but consists of normalizing nutrition, giving up bad habits, feasting and physical inactivity, and increasing physical activity.

Statistics show that in most cases, hyperlipidemia is of a nutritional (dietary) and age-related nature. Therefore, its prevention in most cases is quite realistic. Even in old age, pathology can be avoided.

Hyperlipidemia is a syndrome that occurs in many diseases and also leads to the development of severe diseases. Regular examination and treatment, as well as preventive measures, will help avoid serious consequences.