The causes of hyperlipidemia

Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
Updated on January 22, 2025
00:00
00:00

Regarding the causes of hyperlipidemia, it is generally categorized into primary and secondary types based on the causes. Primary hyperlipidemia is mainly due to genetic defects, such as certain familial hypercholesterolemia and familial mixed dyslipidemia, which are often caused by genetic defects. Secondary hyperlipidemia generally involves some acquired factors, including, for example, high fat content in the diet, which is a common cause of lipid abnormalities. Additionally, obesity can lead to increased plasma cholesterol. Long-term heavy drinking can also increase triglycerides in the blood. Smoking can also cause some drugs, such as estrogen, to raise blood triglycerides. Some glucocorticoids can also increase the synthesis of low-density lipoproteins, and so on. Other causes include diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, estrogen deficiency, hypothyroidism, systemic lupus erythematosus, glycogen storage diseases, and certain types of malnutrition, which can also lead to secondary lipid abnormalities. Therefore, the causes of hyperlipidemia are multifaceted.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
45sec home-news-image

The harms of hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia mainly causes damage to the blood vessels throughout the body, easily leading to arteriosclerosis. In severe cases, plaques may form. This then affects the heart, potentially impacting the coronary arteries, leading to acute coronary syndrome or an acute myocardial infarction. It can also affect the cerebral vessels, possibly causing an acute cerebral infarction. When it affects the lower limb vessels, particularly in combination with diabetes, it can lead to diabetic lower limb vascular changes resulting in vascular occlusion and diabetic foot. Therefore, it is important to treat hyperlipidemia promptly.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
51sec home-news-image

What are the dangers of hyperlipidemia?

If hyperlipidemia is present, it primarily refers to elevated levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein, though some patients may also have reduced high-density lipoprotein. The main risk of hyperlipidemia is the arterial sclerosis it can cause in blood vessels, which in severe cases can lead to plaque formation. Prolonged arterial sclerosis can cause acute cerebrovascular accidents, cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, or coronary artery disease of the heart, with severe cases leading to myocardial infarction. Significantly elevated triglycerides may also trigger acute pancreatitis. Therefore, it is essential to control lipid levels and maintain a light diet in cases of hyperlipidemia.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
1min 3sec home-news-image

What to eat for hyperlipidemia?

The definition of hyperlipidemia mainly depends on which type of lipid is elevated in the blood, the most common being hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Hypercholesterolemia is generally caused by abnormal metabolism in the body, and at this time, it is mainly necessary to take statin drugs to ensure that the blood lipids reach a normal value range. Because hypercholesterolemia usually accompanies hyper-low-density lipoproteinemia, the increase in low-density lipoprotein is damaging to the cardiovascular system. Another type of lipid disorder is hypertriglyceridemia, which in most cases is related to diet. Therefore, at this time, it is necessary to advise the patient to follow a low-fat diet, and if the triglycerides are greater than 4.5 mmol/L, it is advisable for the patient to take fibrate drugs to reduce lipids. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
44sec home-news-image

What exercise should be done every day for hyperlipidemia?

People with high blood lipids, if they do not have significant heart or lung disease, can participate in some aerobic exercises: such as swimming, tennis, volleyball, basketball, badminton, and square dancing. These exercises are aerobic and can help with weight loss. Exercise can consume excess body fat and lower blood lipids. It also enhances heart vitality, improves vascular elasticity, increases blood flow, and increases lung capacity, enhancing physical resistance and overall physical fitness, which can also help to reduce blood lipids.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
1min 20sec home-news-image

The causes of hyperlipidemia

Regarding the causes of hyperlipidemia, it is generally categorized into primary and secondary types based on the causes. Primary hyperlipidemia is mainly due to genetic defects, such as certain familial hypercholesterolemia and familial mixed dyslipidemia, which are often caused by genetic defects. Secondary hyperlipidemia generally involves some acquired factors, including, for example, high fat content in the diet, which is a common cause of lipid abnormalities. Additionally, obesity can lead to increased plasma cholesterol. Long-term heavy drinking can also increase triglycerides in the blood. Smoking can also cause some drugs, such as estrogen, to raise blood triglycerides. Some glucocorticoids can also increase the synthesis of low-density lipoproteins, and so on. Other causes include diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, estrogen deficiency, hypothyroidism, systemic lupus erythematosus, glycogen storage diseases, and certain types of malnutrition, which can also lead to secondary lipid abnormalities. Therefore, the causes of hyperlipidemia are multifaceted.