Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. This condition significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes. In the Philippines, where heart disease remains a leading cause of death, the high prevalence of dyslipidemia highlights the urgent need for greater awareness, early diagnosis, and proactive management.

What Is Dyslipidemia?

Dyslipidemia encompasses various lipid disorders, including:

• High LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol: Often termed "bad" cholesterol, elevated LDL levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.
  

• Low HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol: Known as "good" cholesterol, low HDL levels reduce the body's ability to remove excess cholesterol.
  

• High Triglycerides: Elevated triglyceride levels can contribute to arterial hardening or thickening.
  

• High Total Cholesterol: An overall increase in blood cholesterol levels.
  

These abnormalities often coexist, compounding the risk for serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.

Prevalence in the Philippines

Dyslipidemia is a significant public health concern. Studies show:

• About 38.8% of Filipino adults have dyslipidemia (Acta Medica Philippina).
  

• A staggering 71% have low HDL cholesterol (Lipid World BMC).
  

Urbanization, the rise of fast-food culture, physical inactivity, high rates of smoking, and increased sugar consumption all contribute to these alarming rates. Meanwhile, a shift away from traditional Filipino diets toward more processed foods has exacerbated the problem.

A study by the Philippine Heart Association emphasizes that early detection and intervention could prevent a significant portion of cardiovascular-related deaths in the country.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Dyslipidemia is often called a "silent killer" because it usually presents no symptoms. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Xanthomas: Yellowish cholesterol deposits on the tendons or under the skin.
  

• Arcus Senilis: A white or gray ring around the edge of the cornea.
  

• Chest Pain: May indicate blocked arteries.
  

• Claudication: Leg pain when walking, which can point to peripheral artery disease.
  

• Vision Problems: Blurred vision from extremely high triglycerides impacting retinal blood vessels.
  

Because dyslipidemia can silently damage arteries for years before any warning signs emerge, routine health screenings are essential.

Causes and Risk Factors

Primary (Genetic) Causes:

• Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A genetic disorder causing extremely high LDL cholesterol.
  

• Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia: An inherited disorder affecting multiple lipid fractions.
  

Secondary (Lifestyle and Medical) Causes:

• Poor Diet: Especially diets rich in saturated fats, trans fats, and simple sugars.
  

• Physical Inactivity: Lack of exercise promotes weight gain and unhealthy lipid profiles.
  

• Obesity: Strongly associated with dyslipidemia.
  

• Smoking: Decreases HDL cholesterol and damages blood vessels.
  

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Increases triglyceride levels.
  

• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease.
  

According to the World Health Organization, dyslipidemia is one of the major preventable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases globally.

Diagnosis and Testing

Blood tests to check lipid levels include:

• Total Cholesterol: Should be less than 200 mg/dL.
  

• LDL Cholesterol: Should be less than 100 mg/dL.
  

• HDL Cholesterol: Should be more than 40 mg/dL in men and more than 50 mg/dL in women.
  

• Triglycerides: Should be less than 150 mg/dL.
  

The American Heart Association recommends lipid panel testing every 4-6 years for adults, and more frequently for those at higher risk.

Early diagnosis allows for early intervention, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes later in life.

Treatment Options

Lifestyle Modifications:

• Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish, and nuts. Minimize processed foods and sugary beverages.
  

• Physical Activity: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling.
  

• Weight Management: Losing as little as 5% of body weight can improve lipid profiles dramatically.
  

• Quit Smoking: Boosts HDL cholesterol and lowers overall cardiovascular risk.
  

• Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Limiting alcohol can prevent triglyceride spikes.
  

Incorporating traditional Filipino foods such as malunggay (moringa), fish like bangus (milkfish), and brown rice can support a heart-healthy diet.

Medications:

• Statins: Reduce LDL cholesterol and lower the risk of heart attacks.
  

• Ezetimibe: Blocks cholesterol absorption in the intestines.
  

• PCSK9 Inhibitors: Used for patients with severe, treatment-resistant dyslipidemia.
  

• Fibrates and Niacin: Help manage high triglycerides and low HDL levels.
  

Treatment is individualized based on a patient’s cardiovascular risk profile. For Filipinos looking for private consultations on managing cholesterol, telehealth services like andyou.ph offer confidential and convenient options.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing dyslipidemia is possible and highly effective:

• Eat More Natural Foods: Choose home-cooked meals over fast food.
  

• Exercise Daily: Even simple activities like brisk walking for 30 minutes a day can have significant benefits.
  

• Monitor Your Numbers: Know your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
  

• Manage Chronic Diseases: Good diabetes and hypertension control reduces lipid abnormalities.
  

• Family Involvement: Encourage healthier lifestyle changes within the household for lasting effects.
  

Following advice from resources like Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health can empower you to make sustainable health changes.

Living a Heart-Healthy Life

Dyslipidemia may be invisible, but its consequences are not. With proper knowledge, lifestyle adjustments, and medical support, it’s absolutely possible to prevent serious complications. In the Philippines, returning to more natural, nutrient-rich traditional foods and combining them with regular medical checkups can make a massive difference in public health outcomes. Staying informed, practicing prevention, and embracing positive habits are vital steps. For accessible guides on healthy living tailored for Filipinos, andyou.ph offers practical advice to help you make heart-healthy choices every day.

Taking action today means protecting your tomorrow—and your heart deserves no less.