High blood lipids (dyslipidaemia) is a condition in which the levels of certain lipids in the blood are abnormal, especially LDL or "bad cholesterol" being too high. These lipids gradually accumulate on the artery walls, causing the arteries to narrow and harden, and are a major cause of cardiovascular disease.
Understanding the condition and its causes
There are several types of blood lipid. The ones to know are LDL ("bad cholesterol") which should be low, HDL ("good cholesterol") which should be high, and triglycerides. Factors that raise blood lipids include:
- Eating a lot of fried food, saturated fat and trans fat
- Excess weight and lack of exercise
- Smoking and drinking alcohol regularly
- Genetics — some people have an inherited lipid disorder
- Underlying conditions such as diabetes or an underactive thyroid
Symptoms to watch for
The dangerous part is that high blood lipids usually have no symptoms in the early stages. Most people are unaware until it is found through a blood test, or until serious complications such as a heart attack or stroke have already occurred. A blood lipid test is therefore the only way to know for sure.
- High lipids usually have no symptoms — only a blood test will tell
- Fast before the blood test as your doctor advises, for accurate results
- Look at LDL, HDL and triglycerides, not just the total figure
Complications to be wary of
When lipids build up until the arteries narrow, less blood reaches vital organs, leading to life-threatening complications, including:
- Heart attack — narrowing of the coronary arteries leading to death of the heart muscle
- Stroke — narrowing or blockage of the brain's arteries
- Peripheral artery disease — leg pain when walking, with less blood reaching the feet
- Very high triglycerides also raise the risk of pancreatitis
Detect it early, control it before the arteries are damaged
Because high lipids give no warning signs, regular health check-ups and blood tests are very important. If detected early, we can adjust diet, exercise and use medication when needed to lower the lipids and slow the damage to the arteries, even before heart disease develops.
Prevention and self-care
Blood lipids respond well to behaviour changes. You can start caring for yourself with these steps.
- Cut down on fried food, saturated fat and trans fat, and choose boiling, steaming or grilling
- Add more vegetables, fruit, wholegrains and fish that contain good fats
- Exercise regularly, which helps raise good cholesterol (HDL)
- Control your weight, quit smoking, and cut down on alcohol
- Take lipid-lowering medication as prescribed when needed, and have follow-up tests periodically
Doctor Chat Clinic cares for patients with chronic conditions, led by a doctor, with health check-ups, blood tests for blood lipids (LDL, HDL, triglycerides), risk assessment and ongoing symptom follow-up, helping you manage your lipids close to home.
Danger signs that need prompt medical attention
- Chest tightness, especially radiating to the left arm, jaw or back
- Shortness of breath, sweating, palpitations, or light-headedness and fainting
- Weakness on one side of the body, a drooping mouth, or slurred speech
- Severe leg pain while walking, or unusually cold and pale feet
- If you have these symptoms, go to hospital immediately