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Hypercholesterolaemia
Medical Questions » Hypercholesterolaemia
| Name: Hypercholesterolaemia |
| Also known as: Cholesterol, Excess |
| A yellow/white fatty substance called cholesterol is essential in the body as it is responsible for cementing cells together, is a major constituent of bile and the basic building block for sex hormones. On the other hand, if excess is present it is harmful. |
Causes of Hypercholesterolaemia
The level of cholesterol in the body is determined by inherited traits and diet. The people most likely to have high levels of cholesterol are overweight middle-aged men. Women, and people of normal weight, may be affected too, but not as frequently. |
Symptoms of Hypercholesterolaemia
If too much cholesterol is present in the blood stream, it may be deposited in gradually increasing amounts inside the arteries. Slowly, the affected artery narrows until the flow of blood is sufficiently obstructed to cause the area supplied by that artery, to suffer. If that area is the heart, a heart attack will result if it is the brain, a stroke will occur. This deposition of fat is known as arteriosclerosis. |
Tests for Hypercholesterolaemia
Cholesterol levels are determined by a blood test taken after a 12 hour fast from food (usually over night) and no alcohol should be taken for the preceding 72 hours. Cholesterol is divided into high-density and low-density types, and the ratio between these is more important than the total level of cholesterol. High density cholesterol is good for you, while the low density type is bad. |
Treatment for Hypercholesterolaemia
The cholesterol level that is considered safe varies with risk factors such as family history, obesity, high blood pressure, smoking and any history of heart attacks or strokes. Levels should be lower in young people than old, and males than females. Treatment starts with a diet that is low in cholesterol, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, exercising more and losing weight if obese. A low-cholesterol diet avoids all dairy products, fatty meats, sausages, offal, and egg yolk. If despite a strict diet, the cholesterol level remains too high, the regular use of medications can be prescribed. There are also surgical techniques available to clean out clogged arteries. As in all diseases, prevention is much better than cure.
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Complications of Hypercholesterolaemia of its treatment
Excess cholesterol is responsible for a large proportion of heart attacks, strokes, circulatory problems and kidney disease. |
Likely Outcome of Hypercholesterolaemia
Patients with normal cholesterol levels have a reduced risk of artery damage, heart attack or stroke. Once cholesterol plaques are deposited inside arteries, they remain there permanently. |
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