The harms of hyperlipidemia

Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
Updated on September 20, 2024
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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.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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Indicators of hyperlipidemia

In fact, there are several commonly used lipid indicators. One is total cholesterol, the second is triglycerides, the third is high-density lipoprotein, and the fourth is low-density lipoprotein. The definition of hyperlipidemia, in fact clinically, is primarily characterized by elevated cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels. Some patients predominantly have elevated triglycerides. Therefore, these indicators need to be controlled in clinical practice. For example, total cholesterol, for diabetic patients, is generally required to be controlled below 4.5 mmol/L. For low-density lipoproteins, in people without coronary heart disease, it should be controlled below 2.6 mmol/L; for those with coronary heart disease as a high-risk factor, it should be controlled below 1.8 mmol/L.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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What medicine should I take to lower blood lipids for hyperlipidemia?

Hyperlipidemia is currently a common and frequently occurring disease in clinical practice. Persistent elevation of blood lipids can cause certain damage to the body. Currently, there are many lipid-modifying and lipid-lowering medications used clinically, including statin-based Western medicines, as well as some traditional Chinese patent medicines. Additionally, some herbal teas and herbal decoctions can also be used to achieve the purpose of lowering lipids. The choice of medication should be made under the guidance of a doctor. Apart from using medication, it is also important to pay attention to dietary adjustments, adopting a diet low in fat, salt, and oil, while also increasing physical exercise and reducing weight.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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How to test for hyperlipidemia?

First, we can take a blood test to check our cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein levels. Second, we can also have a carotid ultrasound to look at the condition of the blood vessels, to see if there is high blood lipid levels, if it has affected the blood vessels, if there is arteriosclerosis, and if plaques have formed. If the diagnosis confirms these conditions, it is advised to control the diet and eat lightly. If diet control is insufficient, then it may be necessary to go to the hospital and choose lipid-lowering medication under the advice of a doctor.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Can people with hyperlipidemia eat peanuts?

People with high blood lipids can eat peanuts. Peanuts contain a rich amount of unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial to the human body in proper amounts. Firstly, they can regulate blood lipids, reduce some harmful cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, effectively control the concentration of blood lipids, and can increase the content of beneficial high-density lipoproteins. Secondly, they can help clear blood clots, remove or alleviate the harm caused by animal fats from food, especially visceral fats, and prevent these lipid components from depositing on the walls of blood vessels to combat the formation and development of arteriosclerosis. Additionally, studies have shown that supplementing with DHA (an unsaturated fatty acid) can also enhance some of the body's immunity and improve self-immune function. Furthermore, it has some effects on improving arthritis or alleviating pain. Therefore, consuming peanuts in moderation is beneficial to the human body. However, peanuts are also high in calories, and excessive intake can lead to overweight or obesity, so they should not be consumed in excess and should be eaten in moderation.

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Written by Zhang Yue Mei
Cardiology
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Can people with hyperlipidemia eat shrimp?

People with high blood lipids can eat shrimp, but they should eat it in moderation and not in large quantities. Eating shrimp often and in small amounts can supplement the body with high-quality proteins, minerals, and trace elements. Shrimp also contains substances that can enhance the body's immunity, thereby increasing the body's resistance. The diet of people with high blood lipids should primarily consist of low-fat, low-salt, and low-sugar foods. They should avoid fried foods and foods high in fat and cholesterol, eat more vegetables and fruits to prevent an increase in blood lipids, reduce arteriosclerosis, and prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.