A comprehensive guide to Hyperlipidemia – Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment


Hyperlipidemia – Introduction


When high levels of lipids (fats), including cholesterol and triglycerides are accumulated in the blood it is known as Hyperlipidemia. They are collectively called lipids. High levels of lipids in the blood is risky for the heart. It can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other heart related issues. One of the risks with hyperlipidemia is that there are very few externally observable symptoms. Most patients discover when they get blood tests done either voluntarily or upon recommendation of a doctor. Hence Hyperlipidemia is a silent threat to the heart. Based on the risk factors and symptoms exhibited one has to get regular diagnostic tests done and visit a cardiologist such as Dr.Nithin Annarapu.

Isha Specialty Clinic is here to guide you under the expertise of Dr. Nithin Annarapu. We conduct thorough diagnosis, offer treatments and educate the patients about self care. If a patient is diagnosed with Hyperlipidemia then with the right treatment along with medications and regular follow up they can bring their lipid levels back to normal. Effective management of Hyperlipidemia can prevent future heart stroke, heart failure or any such cardiac issues.

Treatment for Hyperlipidemia at Isha Specialty Clinic


At Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad, we offer end to end care for hyperlipidemia. Our focus is on:
  • Diagnostic tests to know the lipid levels in the blood.
  • Case by case treatment plans based on the degree of Hyperlipidemia, age and lifestyle.
  • Guidance to Lifestyle management especially in terms of diet and physical exercise
  • Medication to control the lipids in the blood
  • Regular follow up and monitoring.

What are the types of Hyperlipidemia?


Hyperlipidemia means high lipid levels in the blood mainly consisting of cholesterol and triglycerides. The lipids mainly deposit in the heart’s arteries and form plaques. Due to the plaque formation the blood vessels narrow down and obstruct the blood flow, hence increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Classification of Hyperlipidemia By Cause

  • Primary (Familial) Hyperlipidemia: This type is caused by genetic abnormalities, meaning you inherit it from your parents.
    • Familial Hypercholesterolemia: High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
    • Familial Hypertriglyceridemia: High levels of triglycerides.
    • Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia: Elevated levels of both LDL and VLDL.
    • Familial Dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type III Hyperlipidemia): A genetic disorder where the body can’t properly metabolize fats, leading to an accumulation of IDL.
  • Secondary (Acquired) Hyperlipidemia
    This type develops due to other underlying issues.
    • Underlying Medical Conditions: Such as uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism, or other metabolic disorders.
    • Medications: Some drugs can cause hyperlipidemia as a side effect.
    • Lifestyle Factors: An unhealthy diet and lack of regular physical activity can also contribute to its development.

Classification of Hyperlipidemia By Lipoprotein


Hyperlipidemia can also be categorized by the specific lipoprotein that is elevated in the blood.
  • Hypercholesterolemia: High levels of LDL cholesterol.
  • Hypertriglyceridemia: High levels of triglycerides.
  • Mixed Hyperlipidemia: Elevated levels of both total cholesterol and triglycerides.

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What are the symptoms of Hyperlipidemia?


Hyperlipidemia often does not show symptoms(asymptomatic). It is discovered during routine blood tests or in extreme cases when the person suffers a heart attack or a stroke. But some warning signs when the person should consult a doctor are:-
  • Xanthomas: Fatty deposits under the skin which appear as lumps
  • Angina i.e. Chest pain
  • Numbness in the lower limbs which is caused by insufficient blood supply.
  • The person might feel frequent dizziness

To know if you have Hyperlipidemia it is good to get a lipid profile test done as part of annual health check up or if you have diabetes, or high blood pressure.

What Causes Hyperlipidemia?


Hyperlipidemia is an imbalance between lipid production and consumption. The unconsumed fats circulate in the blood. The causes vary based on the type of hyperlipidemia.

Hereditary Factors

  • Some are born with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) where cholesterol levels will be high even if the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle.

Medical Conditions

  • Uncontrolled Diabetes deposits LDL particles in the bloodstream.
  • Hypothyroidism obstructs the body’s capability to break down cholesterol.
  • Chronic Kidney Disease disturbs the lipid metabolism, and increases the triglyceride levels.

How is Hyperlipidemia diagnosed?


Hyperlipidemia can be detected in a simple lipid profile blood test. Due to lack of visible symptoms one has to get a lipid profile test done if they have associated risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol.

The various tests conducted are :
  1. Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test) in which the following parameters are measured
    • Total Cholesterol
    • HDL (Good Cholesterol)
    • Triglycerides
    • LDL (Bad Cholesterol)
  2. Blood Sugar Tests are done to see if the person has the risk factor of diabetes.
  3. Electrocardiograms (ECG/EKG) are done to assess the health of the heart.

How to Prevent Hyperlipidemia?


Unless hyperlipidemia has been caused by genetic or hereditary reasons in all other scenarios one can easily prevent this condition by paying attention to their lifestyle. Diet and exercise play a huge role in preventing hyperlipidemia.
  • Make sure that you eat a diet rich in fibre, fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid foods filled with trans fats
  • A minimum of 150 minutes of weekly exercise is recommended but you can consult your healthcare professional before starting an exercise regime based on your age and existing health conditions.
  • Please take steps to quit alcohol and smoking. Some people may not be able to quit these habits on their own. In those cases there is professional help available to help you overcome this addiction.
  • After the age of 40 it is recommended to get regular health checkups done proactively.
  • If you already have risk factors diabetes, blood pressure, and weight please manage them effectively.

What are the risks of untreated Hyperlipidemia?


When a person has hyperlipidemia it means that they have high cholesterol and triglycerides in their blood. The primary risk is that it can lead to serious heart complications and metabolic issues.
  • When the levels of bad cholesterol i.e, LDL are high it starts building up plaques in the arteries as (atherosclerosis). These plaques narrow down the blood vessels and hence obstruct the free flow of blood through the heart leading to a heart attack.
  • High lipids in the blood can also block the blood vessels supplying to the brain. This can cause a brain stroke which is a highly life threatening situation.
  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the most common risk of hyperlipidemia where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become hard and narrow. Through such hard and narrow blood vessels the blood cannot flow freely. This will further lead to heart attack.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a condition where the lipids start forming plaques in the arteries supplying blood to the limbs. These plaques narrow down the blood supply to the limbs and hence people with uncontrolled hyperlipidemia will start experiencing pain and cramps in their arms and legs. Slowly they will start experiencing difficulty in walking.

Treatment Options for Hyperlipidemia at Isha Specialty Clinics


More than any medical treatment for hyperlipidemia, changing one’s lifestyle is more important.

Lifestyle Changes

  • The diet should primarily consist of plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Cut down on saturated and trans fats and replace them with olive oil, nuts, and fish.
  • Regular exercise will lower the bad – LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and simultaneously increase the good HDL cholesterol. One should get at least 150 mins of exercise per week.
  • Concentrate on maintaining a healthy weight so that your LDL is lowered and HDL increases.
  • Quitting smoking and alcohol have a positive impact on cholesterol levels and significantly reduces the risk of cardiac issues.
  • Living a stressful life also will negatively impact Hyperlipidemia. So engage in stress relief activities such as Yoga, meditation and get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night.

Medications


Dr.Nithin Annarapu focusses on managing cholesterol with lifestyle changes. However if they do not work then he will prescribe medications such as :
  • Statins are the common medications which block a substance the liver uses to produce cholesterol. Hence the cholesterol from the blood is cleared.
  • PCSK9 Inhibitors are used when the patient doesn’t respond to any other methods.
  • Ezetimibe are medicines that prevent the absorption of cholesterol from the digestive system.
  • Niacin is a vitamin which is basically nicotinic acid that is used when the patient has high lipid levels.
  • Bempedoic Acid is another commonly used medication.

Other medications like bile acid sequestrants, fibrates, or omega-3 supplements are also recommended by doctors based on your condition.

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Self Care for Hyperlipidemia


A patient living with hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) doesn’t have to completely depend on medications. They can practice a self care routine such as :
  • Maintaining a heart friendly diet and exercise.
  • If you are a regular smoker or drink too much alcohol it is time to control them.
  • Focus on getting good sleep and reducing stress and tension.
  • Make sure you are taking medication regularly. Since these are long term medications some patients may be very sincere initially and not so much later.
  • Follow up on your appointments.
  • Check your cholesterol with tests as guided by your cardiologist.

About Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your heart related care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive heart care services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at various convenient locations in Hyderabad such as Manikonda, Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has treated many cases of Hyperlipidemia. He takes a holistic approach to this condition due to which patients find long term relief from this condition.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-
  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

For guidance and check-ups, call 96760 70203 today. Our expert cardiologists at Isha Specialty Clinic will guide you with personalized heart care plans.

For expert heart care, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Isha Heart Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020 Dr. Nithin Annarapu Book an appointment today for expert heart care!

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