Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia is a metabolic disorder of abnormal blood lipid levels, in which too much cholesterol or too few of its protective forms circulate in the blood. It is more likely in people over 50, in men and after the menopause, and it can run in families. Causes include a fatty diet, low physical activity, overweight, smoking and alcohol, along with diabetes, kidney disease, an underactive thyroid and some medicines. It does not usually cause symptoms, but raised cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, with plaques that narrow the arteries and raise the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. A lipid profile, a blood test measuring total, LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, confirms the diagnosis, and further tests look for underlying causes. Treatment starts with stopping smoking, healthy eating, exercise and weight loss, with statins and other lipid-lowering medicines added when lifestyle changes are not enough or risk is high.

Seek urgent care for unusual bleeding or bruising, breathlessness at rest, or a swollen painful leg. See a doctor for persistent tiredness, pale skin, or any symptom of anaemia in a man or a woman after the menopause, which always needs a cause to be found. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.