Hyperlipidemia, which our hospital's cardiology outpatient clinic deals with, is important because it is a life-threatening disease.

What is Hyperlipidemia?

Hyperlipidemia caused by high cholesterol is a disease that progresses insidiously. Increased fat content in the blood and abnormal changes in fats cause hyperlipidemia. In healthy individuals, LDL cholesterol level should be below 130mg/dL, triglyceride level should be below 150mg/dL and total cholesterol level should be below 200mg/dL. HDL cholesterol level should be over 40mg/dL in women and over 50mg/dL in men. 

What are the causes of hyperlipidemia?

Although there is no single cause of hyperlipidemia, genetic factors, slowing metabolism, nutrition and lifestyle, smoking and alcohol consumption, diabetes and thyroid diseases can cause hyperlipidemia. Genetically caused hyperlipidemia is called primary hyperlipidemia. Those caused by other reasons are secondary hyperlipidemia. 

What are the symptoms of hyperlipidemia?

Hyperlipidemia, a disease that does not show itself immediately but progresses insidiously, has symptoms such as fatty plaques around the eyes and joints, cholesterol formation and high triglyceride levels. Enlargement of the spleen is another symptom, and abdominal pain is a more noticeable symptom during daily life. Diagnosis of Hyperlipidemia Precautions should be taken before cardiovascular disease occurs due to high cholesterol, so early diagnosis is important. For early diagnosis, regular doctor's check-ups should be done. These check-ups may be once a year or every six months. By measuring the lipid value in the blood, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL are examined and the diagnosis is determined according to the results. Hyperlipidemia Treatment: In the first stage, treatment for hyperlipidemia is planned by regulating nutrition and exercise, not medications.

Lifestyle change is a part of hyperlipidemia treatment that should not be skipped. Even if drug treatment is applied, the person should always pay attention to his diet. Regarding diet, reducing red meat consumption, 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. Exercise appropriate to the patient and planned by the physician will have significant health effects.

Drug treatment is started if good results are not 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 artery occlusion. After diagnosis, our cardiologist will determine the most appropriate treatment method for you and, if necessary, will assist you in cooperation with our dietitian and other medical units.