Hyperlipidemia, commonly known as high cholesterol, is a condition where there is an excess of lipids (fats) in the bloodstream. Cholesterol, a naturally occurring substance in our body, is also derived from the foods we consume. There are different types of cholesterol, some of which are beneficial, while others can be harmful.

• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL):
  • Known as "good cholesterol," HDL travels to the liver where it is broken down and removed from the body.

• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL):
  • Known as "bad cholesterol," LDL can build up in the arteries, leading to blockages.

• Triglycerides:
  • Triglycerides are not cholesterol but another type of fats. They often get measured when cholesterol is measured. (Having high triglycerides also may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.)

• Heart attacks
• Coronary artery disease
• Cardiac arrest
• Strokes
• Microvascular disease

Several factors can contribute to high cholesterol levels, including:

• Smoking and/or Excessive alcohol consumption
• Diets high in saturated and trans fats
• Inactive lifestyle
• Stress and anxiety
• Genetics and heredity
• Obesity
• Underlying conditions (e.g., liver disease, diabetes, PCOS, hypothyroidism, lupus)

1, Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet

• • Low in Fat: Especially trans and saturated fats.
  • Low in Cholesterol: Helps to prevent arterial plaque buildup.
  • High in Fiber: Aids in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.

2. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

• Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial for managing cholesterol levels. Exercise helps raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, promoting better overall heart health.

3. Smoking Cessation

• Smoking damages blood vessels, lowers HDL (good) cholesterol, and increases the risk of hypertension and heart disease. Quitting smoking can significantly improve heart health and help achieve healthy cholesterol levels.

4. Medication

• In addition to lifestyle changes, hypertension can be treated with various medications. Cholesterol-lowering drugs should only be considered when lifestyle changes are insufficient. However, individuals with familial hyperlipidemia, an inherited form of cholesterol disease characterised by very high LDL levels, require immediate drug therapy upon diagnosis to prevent early cardiovascular problems.

Consulting a cardiologist for hyperlipidemia is essential if you have severely high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, symptoms of cardiac issues, uncontrolled cholesterol levels, a history of cardiovascular events, multiple risk factors, or chronic conditions. Early intervention and specialised care can help manage hyperlipidemia effectively and reduce the risk of serious health complications.

1. Severely High Cholesterol Levels

• If your cholesterol levels are significantly high despite lifestyle changes, it’s crucial to see a cardiologist for specialized care and treatment.

2. Family History of Hyperlipidemia or Heart Disease

• If you have a family history of hyperlipidemia, heart disease, or early heart attacks, a cardiologist can assess your risk and provide preventive care.

3. Symptoms of Heart Disease

• Experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations could indicate heart disease, warranting a cardiologist’s evaluation.

4. Uncontrolled Hyperlipidemia

• A cardiologist can help adjust your treatment plan and explore other therapeutic options if your cholesterol levels remain high despite taking prescribed medications.

5. History of Cardiovascular Events

• If you have had a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular events, ongoing management by a cardiologist is essential to prevent recurrence.

6. Multiple Risk Factors

• If you have multiple risk factors for heart disease, such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, or obesity, seeing a cardiologist can help manage your overall cardiovascular risk.

7. Chronic Conditions Affecting Cholesterol

• Conditions like diabetes, liver disease, or hypothyroidism can affect cholesterol levels. A holistic approach will be taken to manage these cases.