Increased fat in the blood (Hyperlipoproteinæmi, also hypercholesterolemia)

Many people of high cholesterol and fat values (called triglycerides) in blood. Since fat and cholesterol is not soluble in water, carried it around in the blood of chemical compounds called lipoproteins, which has an oil-core and a surface that is covered by proteins. A person with elevated levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood also have high levels of lipoproteins. The mode is called hyperlipoproteinæmi.

The commonest cause of hyperlipoproteinæmi is that for several years has eaten too many saturated fats and exercise too little. Hyperlipoproteinæmi can also be caused by an inherited defect in metabolism. In rare cases it may be due to a hormonal disorder that affects the chemical balance.

It is important to find the cause of hyperlipoproteinæmi in each case, so appropriate treatment can be implemented within fat levels lead to diseases of blood vessels. Atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke among people under 50 years are often caused by an undetected hyperlipoproteinæmi.

Precautions

If cholesterol is less than 7 mmol / l, and there are some of the aforementioned risk factors are present, will not be worried. If it is between 6 and 7, it should be checked from time to time.

If it is too high, should examine the values of triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, which is believed to protect against disease and LDL-cholesterol, which it considers dangerous. The tests can determine whether you have a low or a high risk of being hit by cardiovascular disease.

The first step is that we must change his diet to counter the high lipoproteinværdier. We should cut down the amount of saturated animal fats and reduce the total fat intake so it does not exceed 30% of the total amount of calories per day.

Even this figure may need to be reduced later. If the levels of lipoproteins, in particular LDL levels, remains high, we should treat them with a drug that lowers cholesterol levels.

This is true regardless of the cause of the condition. If the tests indicate a hereditary component, should be extended to other family members tested. It also applies to children. It is likely that the whole family should eat a diet that contains few calories, total fat low volume, small amounts of saturated fat and very fibrous. In addition, several members needing medical treatment.