Dyslipidemia Specialist

What is dyslipidemia?

Dyslipidemia is a condition characterized by high levels of lipids (fats) in your blood. Human blood contains three types of lipids: HDL or “good” cholesterol, LDL or “bad” cholesterol, and triglycerides.

People with dyslipidemia typically have higher levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, making them more susceptible to heart disease. Fortunately, early intervention and treatment can prevent the problem from getting worse. 

What are the symptoms of dyslipidemia?

Dyslipidemia is very similar to high blood pressure and high cholesterol in that it doesn’t present obvious symptoms. As a result, you might be at risk and not realize it. 

Without treatment, dyslipidemia increases the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Over time, that can cause leg pain and cramping, especially when standing or walking.

Who is at risk of dyslipidemia?

Anyone can experience dyslipidemia, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Living a sedentary lifestyle
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Eating foods that have lots of saturated fat or trans fat

Underlying medical conditions can also increase your risk of dyslipidemia, including diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and hypothyroidism.

How is dyslipidemia diagnosed?

To diagnose dyslipidemia, your Fort Wayne Endocrinology provider reviews your medical history, conducts a physical exam, and orders bloodwork. Your provider sends your sample to a laboratory that measures the amount of HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in your blood.

If your numbers are outside the healthy range, your provider develops a custom treatment plan to reduce your risk of heart disease.

How is dyslipidemia treated?

At Fort Wayne Endocrinology, treatment of dyslipidemia involves a combination of prescription medication and healthy lifestyle changes. For example, your provider might recommend taking statins –– a type of drug that affects cholesterol production in your liver. 

Your provider might also recommend eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, exercising regularly, and undergoing routine blood tests. If you smoke, it’s important to try and quit.

By adhering to your treatment plan, you can significantly reduce the risk of a life-threatening cardiovascular event.

To learn more about the treatment options for dyslipidemia, make an appointment at Fort Wayne Endocrinology by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.