Dyslipidaemia

Disorders characterised by high levels of cholesterol, triglycerides or both are collectively referred to as ‘dyslipidemias’. 

Cholesterol and triglycerides are transported through the blood to and from the tissues via lipoproteins.

Depending on the class or classes of increased or decreased lipoproteins in the patient, different forms of dyslipidaemia can be identified. 

 In most patients, dyslipidaemia is caused by a combination of the subject's genetic predisposition and environmental contribution (lifestyle, clinical condition or medication). Various secondary causes of dyslipidaemia include a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes mellitus, nephropathy and alcohol abuse. 

Dyslipidaemia is a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

The correct diagnosis of dyslipidaemia requires a detailed personal and family history, lipid analysis by determination of plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels and in some cases specialist tests. 

Further assessment is based on the estimation of absolute cardiovascular risk, i.e. the probability of developing heart or blood vessel disease based on the presence or absence of certain predisposing factors.

Dyslipidaemia generally causes no symptoms and recognition of the disease is based on the finding of hypercholesterolaemia during routine screening or the development of symptomatic cardiovascular disease.

The risk of developing atherosclerosis increases as cholesterol levels rise. Atherosclerosis can affect arteries in the heart, brain and periphery causing coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral arterial disease.