WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL (HYPERLIPIDEMIA)?

Usually there are no outward symptoms of high cholesterol. However, when people have had high cholesterol for many years they may two outward signs: Arcus Cornealis and Xanthomas. Arcus Corneas looks like their is small gray ring in the eye between the brown, blue, or green Iris and the White of a person’s eye. Xanthomas Cholesterol deposits are skin growths that result from a buildup of cholesterol under the skin. They can occur anywhere on the body but they more commonly occur on the palms, legs, or around the eyes.

WHAT CAUSES HIGH CHOLESTEROL (HYPERLIPIDEMIA)?

There are two basic causes for high cholesterol.
Usually, it is the eating of too much food that is high in fat that causes an increased cholesterol level. The body can’t keep up with excess demand. This can also be influenced by the lack of exercise, certain medications, and some illnesses such as Diabetes.

The second basic reason that hyperlipemia occurs is due to a person’s genetics. A person’s liver may produce too much cholesterol. Or a person’s body may not produce enough of the chemicals that are needed to remove cholesterol from the blood.

HOW IS HIGH CHOLESTEROL (HYPERLIPIDEMIA) DIAGNOSED?

The diagnosis can be made from a laboratory blood test. If the Low Density Lipoproteins LDL (a specific type of cholesterol) are greater than ~100, then the diagnosis of high cholesterol can be made.

HOW IS HIGH CHOLESTEROL (HYPERLIPIDEMIA) TREATED?

1. There are 4 different criteria for starting statins.

A. Someone who already has some form artery problem. For example: coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, or atherosclerosis of carotid artery.

B. Anyone over the age of 8 years old who has Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Level greater than or equal to 190 mg/dl.

C. A Diabetic Person over the age of 40, who also has a Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) greater than 70. This is almost all diabetic patients over the age of 40.

D. Anyone over the age of 40, who has a estimated risk of having some type of cardiovascular problem (such as a heart attack or a stroke) greater 7.5% in the next 10 years, PLUS they have a Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) greater than 70. CALCULATE YOUR ASCVD RISK.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR HIGH CHOLESTEROL (HYPERLIPIDEMIA)?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

1. Low fat diet

2. Exercise

3. Statin Medications:
A. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) *
B. Fluvastatin (Lescol XL) *
C. Lovastatin (Altoprev) *
D. Pitavastatin (Livalo) *
E. Pravastatin (Pravachol) *
F. Rosuvastatin (Crestor, Ezallor) *
G. Simvastatin (Zocor, FloLipid) *

4. Non-Statin Medictions:
A. Ezetimibe (Zetia)
B. Bmpedoic Acid
C. Cholestyramine
D. Colesevelam
E. Colestipol
F. Evinacumab
G. Lomitapide
H. Alirocumab
I. Evolocumab

CAUTION:

1. All medications have a risk of side effects.
2. Mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light skin rash.
3. Possible Severe side effects are a severe skin rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), and Clostridioides difficile infection (C. Diff.) of the colon.
4. Medications such as creams, lotions, and gels should be tested in small dosages in areas of the body that are not easily seen.

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.