eCureMe logo
  eCureMe home eCureMe log In Sign Up!
eCureMe Life : Your Healthy Living. Click Here!
Welcome, eCureMe.com medical contents search May 9, 2013
       eCureMe Life
       Medical Supplies
       Calorie Count
       Self-Diagnosis
       Physician Search
       Message Board
      E-mail Doctor
      E-mail Veterinarian
      Self-Diagnosis
      Health-O-Matic Meter
      Calorie Count
      Natural Medicine
      Vitamins & Minerals
      Alternative Living
      My Health Chart
      Diseases & Treatments
      Atlas of Diseases
      Sexually Transmitted
      Diseases
      Drug Information
      Illegal Drugs
      Lab & Diagnostic Tests
      Internal Medicine
      Women’s Health
      Pediatrics
      Eye Disorders
      Skin Disorders
      Headache
      Mental Health
      Radiology
      Neurology
      Allergy
      Resource Links
      Physician Directory
      Dentist Directory
      Hospital Directory





Hypercholesterolemia

more about Hypercholesterolemia


  • Hypercholesterolemia is the term used to describe high levels of cholesterol in the blood.  Cholesterol is a type of a fat (lipid) normally found in the blood (normal levels are less than 200mg/dl).  Cholesterol is important in constructing the cell walls (membranes) and in manufacturing important substances in the body (e.g., hormones, vitamin D).
  • The liver manufactures cholesterol and other fats needed in the body, and uses special carriers know as lipoproteins to cross from the blood to the cells and vice versa.  The other source for cholesterol is our diet, which can be rich in saturated fatty acids (the main contributor to raising cholesterol levels), and foods such as egg yolk, meats, poultry and some oily fish.
  • Low density lipoprotein fraction (LDL) is the major carrier of cholesterol in the blood. LDL is referred to as "bad cholesterol" because at higher than normal levels it can build up in the walls of arteries in different organs (e.g., heart) and form thick fatty plaques.
  • Over time, these plaques can grow and clog the arteries, interrupting the flow of blood (carrying vital nutrients and oxygen) to the affected organ.  This process can lead to a Hardening of the Arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis.
  • Atherosclerosis is a major risk factor for heart disease, and the number one killer of men and women in the United States.  A variant of LDL called Lp (high level type of LDL recently discovered) may be a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis at a younger age, but further research is needed.
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL) carries the rest of the cholesterol in the blood, and seems to have a protective effect (carrying cholesterol from the blood, back to the liver) against atherosclerosis and heart disease, and is therefore often referred to as the "good cholesterol."

  • Physical signs may not develop in all patients.
  • Corneal arcus (rings around the cornea), Xanthomas (fatty nodules often over tendons) or Xanthelasmas (fatty deposits under the skin, often around the eyes).
  • A history of chest pain, heart attacks, Stroke, or Peripheral Vascular Disease may be present.

    1. Diet
    2. Obesity
    3. Stress over long periods of time
    4. Sedentary life style with a lack of physical activity.  Exercise can raise the levels of good cholesterol.
    5. Heredity plays a role in the way cholesterol is manufactured and metabolized in the body.
    1. Liver disease
    2. Thyroid disease (e.g., Hypothyroidism).
    3. Kidney disease (e.g., nephritic syndrome)
    4. Diabetes Mellitus

  • A physical exam may show the skin changes mentioned above.
  • May reveal bruits (whooshing sound) heard over narrowed arteries
  • Labs -- blood tests (fasting levels) for total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and other Lipids are done.  Total cholesterol levels > 240 mg/dl, LDL > 160 mg/dl or HDL< 35 mg/dl are not desirable, and indicate an increased risk for atherosclerosis and heart disease.
  • Other disorders such as diabetes, liver and kidney disease, and thyroid disease may need to be ruled out by special blood tests.

  • Obesity
  • Heredity
  • Smoking (can increase LDL)
  • Age -- the older the person, the higher the risk
  • Males have a higher cholesterol level than women, but after menopause, a woman's cholesterol level reaches that of men.
  • Cholesterol levels tend to rise during pregnancy, but should return to normal afterwards.
  • Moderate use of alcohol can increase HDL, but may or may not protect against heart disease.  High levels of alcohol can cause liver, heart and brain damage

  • Treatment of hypercholesterolemia is imperative, especially in the presence of other risk factors for heart disease and atherosclerosis (e.g., Hypertension, obesity, smoking, positive family history of heart disease, diabetes, etc.).
  • Correct the underlying disease if the cause is secondary (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disease, liver disease, etc.).
  • Diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol is important.  This is a diet low in animal fat (red meat, dairy, egg yolk, etc.) and high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables (rich in vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and omega 6, proteins), and fiber (e.g., oat bran).
  • Decrease sweets and common sugars, coffee, and alcohol and increase fish (rich in fish oils such as EPA), garlic, onions, ginger, borage, and flax seed oils.
  • Consult with a dietician regarding types of oils (tropical oils such as palm and coconut are rich in saturated fats) and cooking techniques to further reduce your cholesterol.
  • Exercise on a regular basis should be part of the therapy.
  • Avoid smoking
  • Reduce stress
  • Reduce weight
  • Medications may be prescribed, depending on risk factors for atherosclerosis and heart disease, only after other measures fail.
  • HMG -- COA reductase inhibitors or STATINS such as Zocor and Lipitor may be used to lower LDL, elevate HDL, and decrease triglycerides.
  • Other medications such as Questran (lowers LDL) or niacin (a vitamin that lowers LDL and triglycerides) can also be used in lowering levels of cholesterol and other Lipids.
  • Medications have some side effects, necessitating medical and laboratory follow-up after their start.




more about Hypercholesterolemia


If you want your friend to read or know about this article, Click here






medical contents search

Home   |   About Us   |   Contact Us   |   Employment Ad   |   Help

Terms and Conditions under which this service is provided to you. Read our Privacy Policy.
Copyright © 2002 - 2003 eCureMe, Inc All right reserved.