HYPERLIPIDEMIA, TYPES I, II, III, IV, V

General Information

DEFINITION--Above-normal levels of fat in the blood. The types of hyperlipidemia (I, II, III, IV, V) are defined according to the levels of fatty substances in the blood, and how much above normal these levels are.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Blood and arteries.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most common in adults. Different types appear at different ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Yellowish nodules of fat in the skin beneath eyes, elbows and knees, and in tendons.
• Enlarged spleen and liver (some types).
• Whitish ring around the eye pupil (some types).

CAUSES

• The blood contains a variety of fats (lipids) joined to blood proteins, forming lipoproteins. They provide energy and are "building blocks" for some tissues and hormones. Lipoproteins include cholesterol and triglycerides. The cholesterol is made of fractions called high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL). The LDL will deposit onto artery walls (if it is excessive), causing atherosclerosis. The HDL is protective, by helping to prevent deposit of LDL.
• Each type of hyperlipidemia may be inherited, or secondary to some other disorder.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Improper diet that is high in fat and cholesterol.
• Family history of hyperlipidemia.
• Use of oral contraceptives or estrogen.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Nephrosis.
• Alcoholism.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Eat a diet that is low in fat.
• If you have diabetes, adhere closely to your treatment program.
• Get a medical test to check your blood level of cholesterol and its fractions.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood studies to measure blood lipids.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Atherosclerosis. This is a major cause of heart disease (coronary artery disease), strokes, kidney failure and poor circulation.
• Acute pancreatitis.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually treatable or controllable with lifelong dietary control and medication.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• For some patients, an altered diet may be sufficient for treatment, others may require medications to reduce blood lipids.
• Stress increases the risk of heart disease, a major complication of hyperlipidemia. Look for ways to reduce stress in your life. Learn relaxation methods. See How to Cope with Stress in Appendix.
• Stop smoking. Smoking accelerates the deposit of fats onto blood vessels.

MEDICATION--

• Your doctor may prescribe: Medications to control blood lipids. Several drugs are available with variable and unpredictable results. Medications to treat underlying diseases, such as diabetes or thyroid conditions.
• Don't take oral contraceptives. Use other forms of birth control.

ACTIVITY--

• No restrictions unless tendons are weakened by fat deposits or you have coronary artery disease.
• A regular exercise program is helpful for reducing weight, controlling stress, and it might help in increasing the body's ability to clear fat from the blood after meals. Consult your doctor.

DIET--

• Eat a diet that is low in fat; lose weight if you are overweight (see both diets in Appendix).
• Don't drink alcohol.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms or a family history of hyperlipidemia.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.