Causes, risk factors, treatment, etc.

Familial combined hyperlipidemia, which people may also call mixed hyperlipidemia, is a genetic condition that can be passed from parents to children.

A person with this disorder has higher than average levels of lipids in their body. Lipids include cholesterol and fats called triglycerides, which store energy.

People with familial combined hyperlipidemia have a higher risk of developing plaque in their arteries. A buildup of plaque can lead to cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke.

This article discusses mixed hyperlipidemia in more detail, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Hyperlipidemia is the term for a range of disorders that cause high lipid levels.

Primary hyperlipidemia refers to the specific disorder that can pass from parents to children. Mixed hyperlipidemia is a type of primary hyperlipidemia.

Lipids are substances that do not dissolve in water but are soluble in organic solvents. Cholesterol and triglycerides are two of the types of lipids that people most often discuss when it comes to cardiovascular health.

High levels of these two lipids usually occur together and may contribute to the development of several cardiovascular health problems, including coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

About 1 in 100 people have familial combined hyperlipidemia.

The exact cause of Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia is unknown, as scientists have yet to identify the causative gene.

However, they suspicious that the condition occurs due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In other words, a person may need both the gene and a trigger event or exposure to develop mixed hyperlipidemia.

Mixed hyperlipidemia is an inherited disease. There is no guarantee that the condition will occur simply because a person’s parents have the disorder. However, if one parent has mixed hyperlipidemia, a child has a 50% chance of developing the disease themselves.

When both parents have the disorder, a child may receive what some call a “double dose.” When this happens, they have a higher risk of developing coronary problems earlier in life.

Doctors may suspect mixed hyperlipidemia when blood tests show higher than normal cholesterol levels. They will likely ask a person about their medical and family history. If their family history reveals the presence of the disorder in at least one relative, the person probably has mixed hyperlipidemia.

The The most important test that a doctor may order for diagnosis is a fasting lipid profile. This test examines low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol.

Before the blood draw, a person will need to avoid eating for 9 to 12 hours.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that all adults over the age of 20 have blood cholesterol tests every 4 to 6 years. People with other risk factors may need more frequent testing.

The diagnosis of mixed hyperlipidemia in children is complex due to a lack of long-term data which link lipid values ​​in children to disease occurrence in adults.

However, some to research indicates that the diagnosis of hyperapolipoprotein B (hyperapo B) – an elevated level of a specific type of LDL – in children could be a good marker for diagnosing mixed hyperlipidemia later in life.

There is currently no cure for mixed hyperlipidemia. Instead, treatment is ongoing and aimed to help prevent or reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Several factors can influence the physician’s choice of therapeutic approach. They to understand:

  • a person’s age at diagnosis
  • the presence of symptoms or other health problems
  • the severity of the increase in lipid levels

In some cases, a doctor may recommend lifestyle and habit changes as first-line treatment. Lifestyle changes to manage cholesterol levels to understand:

  • stop smoking
  • eating a diet focused on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
  • maintain a moderate weight
  • exercise regularly

If these changes are not effective enough, a doctor may prescribe medications to help lower lipid levels. The AHA notes that a doctor can prescribe various forms of medication, including:

  • statins, although they are not safe for people with liver problems
  • ezetimibe (Zetia), which blocks cholesterol absorption
  • PCSK9 inhibitors
  • bile acid sequestrants
  • adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitors
  • fibrates
  • omega-3 fatty acid ethyl esters

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not consider mixed hyperlipidemia a disability. However, it can potentially coexist with or lead to conditions that may qualify. These conditions include:

The AHA recommends that all adults over the age of 20 get a lipid profile every 4-6 years. A person should tell the doctor about any known risk factors for heart attack or stroke, such as family history, stress, physical inactivity, or smoking.

A person should speak with a doctor if they start to develop symptoms or problems that they cannot explain. The doctor can help determine what may be causing the problems.

A person should not ignore certain symptoms. Anyone who suspects they are having a heart attack or stroke should call 911 or seek emergency medical help.

Symptoms of a Stroke may include:

  • slurred speech
  • numbness in the leg, arm, or face, usually on one side of the body
  • vision problems in one eye
  • confusion
  • a severe headache with no known cause
  • movement or coordination problems

Symptoms of a heart attack may include:

A range of factors can affect the outlook for people with hyperlipidemia. These include:

  • the age of the person
  • how well they stick to their treatment plan
  • how well their cholesterol levels are responding to treatment

Treatment will likely have the best chance of success if a person takes steps to ensure that they are following the plan as closely as possible. The person can also maximize their chances of getting a good result by:

  • have a nutritious and well-balanced diet
  • exercise regularly
  • reach or maintain a moderate weight
  • stop smoking, if applicable

Making these changes can help a person reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease and live a longer, healthier life.

Mixed hyperlipidemia is a congenital condition in which a person has naturally higher levels of cholesterol and fat in their body. Without proper treatment, this can increase the risk of developing complications, such as cardiovascular disease.

Treatment often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to help lower cholesterol levels. In some cases, the use of medication may be necessary.

About Antoine L. Cassell

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