User:Mr. Ibrahem/Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia is an abnormal amount of lipids (fats) in the blood. It is divided into six types which result in some combination of high total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, or high apolipoprotein B. There are generally no symptoms, though occasionally yellowish lipid deposits within the skin occur. Complications may include heart disease, stroke, and pancreatitis.

Causes may include poor diet, inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol, and smoking. Other health conditions that can result in dyslipiedmia include diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, biliary obstruction, hypothyroidism, and certain medications. Some types run in families such as familial hypercholesterolemia. Diagnosis is generally by blood tests for total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Treatment involves lifestyle changes including a diet high in vegetables and exercise. Other treatments depend in part on the types of dyslipidemia. If medications are used, the initial choice is generally a statin. Dyslipidemia becomes more common with age. In the United States high cholesterol affects about 34% of those over the age of 20.