Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia is a condition in which the levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood are higher than normal.
It is very common and is one of the main risk factors for heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.

The biggest issue?
👉 In most cases, dyslipidemia causes no symptoms, but it silently promotes the formation of fatty plaques inside the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Over time, these plaques can narrow or block a blood vessel, leading to serious cardiovascular events.

✅ Cholesterol: “good” and “bad”

Cholesterol is not always an enemy. It is a natural substance produced by the liver and is essential for hormone production and vitamin synthesis.

In the bloodstream, cholesterol travels attached to different lipoproteins:

LDL cholesterol is known as “bad cholesterol” because it tends to build up in the arteries. The higher it is, the greater the cardiovascular risk.
HDL cholesterol is the “good cholesterol” because it removes excess cholesterol and takes it back to the liver, where it can be eliminated.
Triglycerides are another form of fat in the blood, mainly influenced by sugar and carbohydrate intake. When very high, they increase cardiovascular risk and can cause pancreatitis.

Simple rule: the lower your LDL, the more protected your heart is.

🔬 Why can cholesterol and triglycerides increase?

The causes can be genetic or related to lifestyle habits.

Non-modifiable factors:

Family history (relatives with high cholesterol or early cardiovascular disease)
Age
Genetic forms such as familial hypercholesterolemia

Modifiable factors:

High intake of animal fats, processed meats, aged cheeses, fried foods, fast food
Excess carbohydrates and sugars (bread, pastries, sugary drinks)
Sedentary lifestyle
Overweight or obesity, especially abdominal fat
Smoking
Excess alcohol

Certain medical conditions — such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease — may also contribute.

🧪 How is dyslipidemia diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through a fasting blood test, which measures:

Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Triglycerides

The cardiologist also evaluates blood pressure, blood sugar, body weight, lifestyle habits, and family history to estimate the patient’s overall cardiovascular risk.

❤️ Why is it important to treat dyslipidemia?

Because lowering LDL cholesterol reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Even a modest reduction in LDL cholesterol results in significant benefits.
A decrease of 40 mg/dL can reduce cardiovascular risk by 20–25%.

Dyslipidemia does not hurt today, but it can cause serious damage tomorrow.

🍎 How is it treated?

1. Lifestyle changes

These are essential and represent the foundation of treatment.

Follow a Mediterranean-style diet (fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish)
Choose extra virgin olive oil instead of butter
Limit red meat, processed meats, aged cheeses, fried foods, snacks, and junk food
Reduce sugar, refined flour, and sugary beverages
Engage in physical activity at least 150 minutes per week
Lose weight if overweight
Stop smoking
Limit alcohol

These habits alone can significantly lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

2. Medication (when necessary)

If cholesterol levels are very high, or if cardiovascular risk is elevated, medication may be recommended:

Statins: first-line therapy, reduce LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular risk
Ezetimibe: can be added when statins alone are not sufficient
PCSK9 inhibitors: advanced therapies for very high LDL levels or high-risk patients
Specific medications for severely elevated triglycerides when indicated

Do not stop medication on your own. These therapies protect your heart over time.

🏠 Frequently asked questions

“Is diet enough to lower cholesterol?”
Sometimes yes, but not for everyone. Genetics and overall cardiovascular risk also matter.

“Does cholesterol only come from what I eat?”
No. Most cholesterol is produced by the liver, and genetics play a major role.

“If I take medication and my levels improve, can I stop?”
No. Cholesterol levels return to previous values when treatment is discontinued.

Dyslipidemia is a silent but controllable condition.
A balanced diet, active lifestyle, and — when needed — personalized medical therapy can dramatically reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Taking care of your cholesterol today means protecting your future health.