You might feel perfectly fine, yet your recent bloodwork shows “high cholesterol.” For many people living in Bowie, hyperlipidemia develops quietly over the years, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke without any obvious symptoms.
You may call it high cholesterol; your doctor calls it hyperlipidemia. Either way, it’s a very common condition that affects millions. Hyperlipidemia refers to multiple disorders that cause excess fats — or lipids — to circulate in your bloodstream. Some causes are lifestyle-related, while others are genetic or linked to underlying health conditions.
Understanding Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia occurs when your blood contains too many lipids. Over time, these fats can build up inside your arteries, forming plaque that narrows the vessels and restricts blood flow. This significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The most commonly discussed lipids are HDL (“good”) cholesterol and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
HDL transports cholesterol away from your bloodstream and back to your liver. Low HDL levels reduce your body’s ability to clear cholesterol, causing it to accumulate in your arteries.
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
LDL contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries. Higher LDL levels are strongly linked with heart disease.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body, often rising with diets high in sugar, refined carbs, or unhealthy fats.
Causes of Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia can develop from diet, lifestyle factors, or underlying medical conditions. Identifying your specific causes helps guide effective treatment.
Diet
Foods that can elevate cholesterol levels include:
- Cheese
- Egg yolks
- Fried and processed foods
- Ice cream
- Pastries
- Red meat
Lifestyle Factors
Daily habits that may contribute:
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Being overweight
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High stress levels
Medical Conditions
Certain health issues may lead to elevated cholesterol:
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Pancreatic disorders
- PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Hypothyroidism
- Kidney disease
- Sleep apnea
Recognizing these factors enables more targeted and effective treatment strategies.
Symptoms and Complications of Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia rarely shows symptoms early on, which is why it’s often discovered during routine bloodwork. Without treatment, fats and cholesterol gradually accumulate in the arteries, increasing the risk of serious cardiovascular events.
Potential Complications Include:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Plaque restricts blood flow to the heart, potentially causing angina, heart attack, or heart failure.
Heart Attack
When plaque ruptures, a clot may form and block blood flow. Symptoms may include:
- Chest pain
- Pain in the jaw, shoulder, back, neck, or arm
- Cold sweats
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or indigestion
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
Women may experience less-typical symptoms such as back or neck discomfort
Fatty Deposits
Inherited hyperlipidemia may cause yellowish deposits under the skin called xanthelasmas or xanthomas.
Management and Lifestyle Changes
Hyperlipidemia is highly manageable, and many people see improvements through consistent lifestyle changes.
Choose Healthy Fats
Select oils such as olive, sunflower, or canola instead of trans or saturated fats.
Increase Fiber
Oatmeal, fruits, beans, and lentils help lower LDL cholesterol.
Add Fatty Fish
Salmon, tuna, and mackerel provide omega-3 fatty acids that reduce triglycerides.
Limit Sugary Foods
Cut back on sugary drinks and added sugars.
Quit Smoking
Stopping smoking can raise HDL and improve heart health.
Improve Sleep
Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
Manage Stress
Activities such as meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can help balance stress levels.
Limit Alcohol
No more than one drink per day is recommended.
Stay Active
Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
You Don’t Have to Manage It Alone
Understanding your cholesterol levels and making lifestyle changes can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Hilltop Endocrinology, Dr. Kehinde Folawewo specializes in hyperlipidemia and metabolic conditions that affect long-term health.
We treat more than your lab numbers. We take time to understand your lifestyle, family history, risk factors, and health goals to create a customized treatment plan that truly fits your needs.
If you’re concerned about high cholesterol or have recently been diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, taking action now can make a significant difference for your future health.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Folawewo today and take the first step toward better heart health.
