HYPERLIPIDEMIA AND THE RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

When it comes to cardiovascular diseases, prevention is always better than cure. Any cardiovascular surgeon in Dubai can tell you that the majority of patients with cardiovascular disease can prevent the risk of heart attacks and strokes by making healthy lifestyle choices.

Therefore, it is important to understand the risk factors for heart-related diseases, so that you can make the necessary lifestyle changes to prevent such conditions.

Among the most common causes for cardiovascular disease, such as smoking and lack of exercise, is hyperlipidemia.

What is Hyperlipidemia?

Hyperlipidemia occurs when there is too much cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a waxy fat molecule that is produced by the liver. Cholesterol is transported to cells throughout the body by proteins, or lipoproteins.

There are two types of lipoproteins that are responsible for transporting cholesterol to the cells. The first type is bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoproteins (LDL). The second type is known as high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

Hyperlipidemia is caused by any of the following conditions:

  • High LDL Levels
  • High HDL Levels
  • High Triglycerides Levels

Hyperlipidemia and Cardiovascular Disease

HDL is responsible for carrying excess cholesterol in the body back to the liver, where it can be excreted from the body in the form of bile. However, when the cholesterol, particularly LDL, is allowed to build up in the body, it creates a waxy substance known as plaque. This plaque blocks blood vessels are arteries, leading to cardiovascular diseases.

In particular, excess cholesterol causes plaque in the major arteries that are responsible for transporting blood to the heart. This prevents the transportation of oxygen-rich blood to the body, and can result in coronary artery disease. In severe cases, it may lead to heart attacks or strokes.

Moreover, triglycerides are another type of fat that is present in the body. Although it is not a cholesterol, it is strongly associated with heart-related diseases. Hence, hyperlipidemia is often also characterized by elevated levels of triglycerides.

Prevention for Hyperlipidemia

If you have elevated cholesterol or triglycerides levels, and suffer with any heart-related disease, then it is important for your to seek medical advice from a cardiovascular surgeon immediately.

Various lifestyle changes can help prevent and reduce hyperlipidemia. Your doctor can help you create a treatment plan for reducing your cholesterol levels. In general, the following lifestyle changes should be made for reducing and prevention of hyperlipidemia:

  1. Healthy diet

A heart healthy diet should reduce foods that are high in saturated and trans fat. This includes avoiding processed, fatty, junk foods. Instead, opt for whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats.

  1. Exercise

Plenty of daily exercise promotes healthy heart and lung function, which prevents risk of heart diseases. Moreover, it can reduce obesity, which is a risk factor for hyperlipidemia.

  1. Quit Smoking

Chemicals from cigarettes bind with cholesterol and create plaque in the arteries. This leads to blockage of the flow of blood in the body, which causes various heart-related illnesses.

Treatment for Hyperlipidemia Related Heart Disease

If excess cholesterol levels in the body are not controlled, it can lead to coronary artery disease. This results in difficulty breathing, chest pain, and in severe cases can cause a heart attack. In this situation, you will require treatment from a specialist cardiovascular surgeon. You may require cardiothoracic surgery for severe heart diseases.

For the best Cardiac – Thoracic and Vascular Surgeon in Dubai, visit Professor Dr. Uwe Klima at the German Heart Centre. He is highly specialized in cardiothoracic surgery and thoracic surgery in Dubai. Book an appointment now for the best treatment options.

zh_CNChinese

Book An Appointment

Receive the latest updates

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get notified about new updates.