Dyslipidemia, a prevalent cholesterol issue, is responsible for the deaths of millions of individuals annually, according to health experts. An imbalance in lipid levels in the blood, such as high low-density lipoprotein (LDL), low high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or high triglycerides, defines dyslipidemia. The risk of developing atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular problems can all be increased by this illness.

According to doctors, this lipid disease may be the cause of your chest pain, not stress

Dyslipidemia has quite common symptoms, which contributes to its low detection rates, according to specialists. The body doesn't respond to cholesterol accumulation in the arteries until there is a blockage, which can result in stroke (oxygen being cut off to the brain) and heart attacks (reduced blood flow to the heart).

It can result in disability and even death if left untreated. In reality, according to a WHO estimate, elevated cholesterol levels are responsible for 2.6 million fatalities and 29.7 million disability-adjusted life years worldwide annually.

Delayed diagnosis and therapy result from the absence of symptoms in illnesses like dyslipidemia, which means that the window of opportunity for preventative intervention and lifestyle change is missed. The majority of patients don't seek medical care until it's too late, largely because the symptoms listed below are too prevalent and vary from:

• discomfort or pain in the chest
• breathing difficulties
• Exhaustion
• Experiencing shortness of breath while exercising.
• High blood pressure
• Palpitations of the Heart

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Nihar Mehta, an interventional cardiologist at Mumbai's Jaslok Hospital, discussed the illness, saying, "Dyslipidemia is a highly treatable condition and can be managed with proper medication and lifestyle changes." Total cholesterol tests analyze the amounts of LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. Routine lipid profiling, particularly in high-risk or sedentary people, is essential to detect dyslipidemia early and initiate timely management to avoid long-term problems in the high-risk group, which includes those with obesity, diabetes, and familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited condition that causes high LDL levels.

Depending on a person's age, gender, and other risk factors, the ideal lipid level varies, but the following ranges are typically advised:

• LDL cholesterol: below 100 mg/dL
• more than 40 mg/dL for males and more than 50 mg/dL for girls for HDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides: below 150 mg/dL
• Less than 200 mg/dL for total cholesterol

Advice on how to overcome this fatal cholesterol condition

A healthier lifestyle can help lower cardiovascular risks and improve lipid profiles. Dr. Mehta advised, "Lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help manage but not necessarily cure dyslipidemia. Regular medication adherence is essential for better outcomes. If lipid is higher than optimal, avoid foods high in cholesterol, saturated fats, trans fats, added sugars and salt. Be sure to get at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. You should also stop smoking, moderate your alcohol consumption, and maintain a healthy weight and body mass index."

He warned, "Comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, or liver disease can influence lipid levels or raise the risk of cardiovascular disease; therefore, it is important to remain compliant with all medications and be consistent with follow-ups with your healthcare provider. To protect long-term heart health and avoid problems, a proactive strategy is essential."

Read Also: Cravings and Mood Swings? Cardiologist Says Your Metabolism May Be Sounding an Alarm