Sharona Gabay, clinical dietitian, B.Sc, RD
This disorder is sometimes part of metabolic syndrome and is a risk factor for cardiovascular illness and death. Triglycerides form mainly from surplus carbohydrates and sugars not used for the body’s ongoing energy needs. These surpluses become triglycerides, circulate in the blood and are stored in fat cells.
Two-thirds of cholesterol is produced in the liver and another third comes from the fatty foods we eat. Cholesterol is important for normal cell function: it is a precursor for vitamin D and sex hormones, is used to make bile acids that aid digestion, and is essential in cell membranes and nerve-cell coverings. However, imbalanced blood cholesterol is closely associated with increased risk of cardiac events and stroke due to atherosclerosis.
“Good” and “bad” cholesterol:
Blood fats travel in particles combining proteins and fats (lipoproteins). LDL carries most cholesterol to body cells and is called “bad cholesterol” because it deposits in vessel walls and contributes to atherosclerosis. HDL carries surplus cholesterol from cells back to the liver and is called “good cholesterol” because it acts in the opposite direction to LDL.
What causes hyperlipidaemia and what are its dangers?
It usually results from a combination of genetics, lifestyle and an unbalanced diet. Hyperlipidaemia generally has no symptoms. However, particularly high LDL cholesterol can gradually lead to atherosclerosis, progressively blocking important arteries in the heart, brain and kidneys. Inadequate oxygen delivery can cause heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease in the limbs.
Treatment:
First-line management of blood lipid disorders involves lifestyle changes and balancing exogenous, or external, sources: healthy eating habits, regular physical activity and weight loss. Other cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking, should also be avoided. A low-fat diet may lower “bad” cholesterol by at most about 15%, because genetics and chronic diseases such as diabetes also substantially affect blood fats. When substantial correction is needed, medicines are usually effective for endogenous hyperlipidaemia, but the source lists possible adverse effects including reduced coenzyme Q10, weakness, muscle pain, liver-tissue injury and peripheral nervous system damage.
To lower blood triglycerides, the source recommends reducing dietary carbohydrates and sugars and exercising regularly at least 2–3 times weekly. It also describes physical activity as the main way to raise “good” HDL cholesterol.
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