Skip to main content

Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia is a term which refers to abnormally high levels of fat in the blood. The two main types of lipids found in the blood are triglycerides and cholesterol. Hence, hyperlipidemia is otherwise referred to as high cholesterol. 

There are two main types of cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).  LDL cholesterol builds up in the artery walls, causing atherosclerosis, while HDL cholesterol clears up the amount of LDL. Hyperlipidemia occurs when there is an excess of LDL and insufficient HDL. 


Although hyperlipidemia does not have any presenting symptoms, it can result in severe complications. It can often lead to atherosclerosis, which then leads to a series of problems such as strokes or heart attacks. 


Lifestyle changes have to be undertaken to manage and prevent the onset of hyperlipidemia. One key method is to consume healthy fats, instead of saturated fats and trans fat. Beyond restricting one's diet, active exercise is essential.


Sources:

https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/622/hyperlipidemia
https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperlipidemia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kidney Stones

Renal calculi, or kidney stones is the formation of crystals in the kidneys causing excretory issues. These stones mainly form in the renal pelvis or the ureter in the kidney. It is accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and a burning sensation when urinating  Urine consists of salts and various compounds such as Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Oxalate, Phosphate and Uric acid. Calcium oxalate is the most common stone formed in the kidneys, it accounts for 80% of kidney stones The crystals can scratch the walls of the urinary tract, sending nerve impulses to the brain causing excruciating abdominal pain. The scratches also cause blood vessels embedded behind the walls to burst, causing blood to enter the urinary system. This causes the patient to urinate blood. IF the stone is big enough to cause a blockage in the urinary tract, this can create a backflow of urine and infect the kidneys itselves. However, most kidney stones do not grow large enough to cause a blockage. This w...
Post a Comment
Read more

Horner’s Syndrome

Horner’s syndrome is a condition where the sympathetic nerves on the face are damaged. 3 classic signs of Horner’s syndrome include miosis (constriction of the pupil), ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid) and anhidrosis (absence of sweating of the face). It is a result of other medical problems such as stroke, tumor or spinal cord injury. Hence, treatment for the underlying issue may restore nerve function. The nerve pathway affected in Horner’s syndrome is divided into three groups of neurons called the first, second and third order neurons. These neurons lead from the hypothalamus of the brain through the spinal cord and finally along the facial skin and muscles of the iris and eyelids  Sources: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6670/ horners-syndrome
Post a Comment
Read more

Organ Transplants

  Organ transplantation is a medical procedure in which an organ is removed from one body and planted in the body of a recipient. It is often the only treatment for end stage organ failure, such as liver and heart failure.  Researchers have historically experimented with organ transplantation on animals and humans since the 18th century. However, the first major breakthrough was made in 1954, when the first successful kidney transplant was performed. Since then, medical breakthroughs such as tissue typing and immunosuppressant drugs have only increased the success rate of this procedure.  In Singapore, the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA) covers all aged 21 and above, unless one has opted out. HOTA allows for the kidneys, heart, liver and corneas to be removed for transplantation in the event of death. Sources: https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/learn/about-transplantation/history/ https://www.moh.gov.sg/policies-and-legislation/human-organ-transplant-act https://www.who.i...
Post a Comment
Read more