Are You at Risk? The Truth About Lipid Disorders
Are You at Risk? The Truth About Lipid Disorders
What's This About?
Lipid disorders might sound complicated, but they're more common than you think and crucial for predicting heart disease risk. Learn how these disorders could affect your health and what you can do about it.
Contents
- Understanding Lipid Disorders
- Why Screening Matters
- Who Should Be Screened?
Understanding Lipid Disorders
Lipid disorders involve abnormalities in the levels of lipids, like cholesterol and triglycerides, in your blood. These disorders can increase your risk of heart disease, especially when LDL (bad cholesterol) is too high or HDL (good cholesterol) is too low. While the terms dyslipidemia and hyperlipidemia are often used, they each describe different aspects of lipid abnormalities.
Why Screening Matters
Screening for lipid disorders is essential because it helps identify individuals at risk for heart disease. High cholesterol is a significant contributor to cardiovascular problems worldwide, affecting nearly 40% of people globally. Early identification through screening can lead to lifestyle changes and treatments that reduce heart disease risk.
Who Should Be Screened?
Experts suggest that adults, particularly those with risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes, should undergo lipid screening. Screening helps determine future heart disease risk and guides treatment decisions. Young adults should have a baseline lipid profile when they begin adult healthcare to check for familial hyperlipidemia and assess heart disease risk.
FAQs
What are lipid disorders?
Lipid disorders are conditions involving abnormal levels of lipids in the blood.
Why is lipid screening important?
Lipid screening helps detect heart disease risk early, allowing for preventive measures.
Who should get screened for lipids?
Adults, especially those with risk factors, should have lipid screenings.
Key Takeaways
Could understanding your lipid profile be the key to a healthier heart?
Additional References
- World Health Organization. Raised cholesterol. https://www.who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/3236
- Chou R, Dana T, Blazina I, et al. Screening for Dyslipidemia in Younger Adults: A Systematic Review. Ann Intern Med 2016; 165:560.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.