Hyperlipidemia – Statin Drugs – Risk Of Smoking
Hyperlipidemia is defined as condition in which there is abnormal increase in the levels of lipids or lipoprotein in the blood. This abnormality is common in general population and they from the high risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease especially atherosclerosis and acute pancreatitis. These fatty substances travel in blood by attaching to a protein molecule and they are also called as hyperlipoproteinemia.
Hyperlipidemia is generally divided in to two categories which include hypercholesterolemia a condition in which there is high level of cholesterol in blood and the other type is called as hypertriglyceridemia which is characterized by high level of triglycerides in blood.
High cholesterol is mostly treated with statin drugs and it will require treatment with statin drugs like Atorvastatin or Simvastatin. For those who have the habit of smoking, it is important to quit smoking for the risk of smoking with high cholesterol to lead to heart disease is pretty much more. Zyban is used to help those trying to quit smoking
LDL and HDL are the two main types of lipoproteins. Excess of LDL leads to blockage of arteries and results in heart attack. On the other hand low level of HDL increases the risk of coronary heart disease. Hypothyroidism, in many cases pregnancy and over nutrition and renal failure tend to be the common causes of hypercholesterolemia. Hypertriglyceridemia is caused by diabetes, excess alcohol intake, obesity and certain medications like glucocorticoids and estrogen. Hyperlipidemia is caused by family history, genetic factors, diabetes, hypertension and smoking etc.
Usually hyperlipidemia does not have any notable symptoms and the condition is diagnosed during a routine examination or evaluation of other cardio vascular disorder. But in certain cases deposit of cholesterol under the skin known as xanthomas is seen.
The condition is diagnosed by medical history, physical examination and conducting blood tests etc. It is important to treat the other underlying disease conditions like diabetes, hypertension etc. The treatment plan includes dietary changes, weight reduction and exercise. Medications are used to treat both hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Statins are used commonly for treating high LDL and Fibrates are commonly used to treat high triglycerides. Both the medications are safe and effective.
