Dyslipidaemia Flashcards
What is dyslipidaemia?
Abnormal concentration of lipids in the blood
high LDL, low HDL
What is hyperlipidaemia?
elevated blood lipid levels (total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides)
e.g. hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia
List secondary causes of dyslipidaemia
Medical conditions: hypothyroidism, Cholestatic liver disease, Cushing’s syndrome, diabetes mellitus, Nephrotic syndrome
Drugs: thiazide diuretics, glucocorticoids, B-blockers, cOCP, atypical antipsychotics,
Pregnancy.
Obesity.
Alcohol abuse
Physical inactivity
Describe the pathophysiology of dyslipidaemia
Elevated LDL + reduced HDL promotes atherosclerosis, increases risk of cardiovascular events
List 3 primary causes of dyslipidaemia
Familial dyslipidaemias.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia
Familial combined hyperlipidaemia.
Describe presentation of dyslipidaemia
Asymptomatic
Identified at routine screening
List 3 signs of hyperlipidaemia
Xanthelasma Corneal arcus (in <50s) Tendon xanthomata
What diagnostic test is used for dyslipidaemia?
Fasting lipid profile : Total cholesterol, HDL, + triglycerides
LDL > 130 mg/dL. +/or HDL levels < 40 mg/dL.
What 4 other bloods are taken in dyslipidaemia? Why?
Fasting blood glucose level or HbA1c: DM TSH level: hypothyroidism Liver function tests: liver disease Urine analysis: nephrotic syndrome To identify an underlying cause
What is assessed on diagnosis of dyslipidaemia?
Assess for cardiovascular disease (MI, stroke)
Assess for major risk factors for CVD (smoking, HTN)
Describe the management of dyslipidaemia
Conservative: reduce sat fat, lose weight, increase exercise
Pharmacological: statins
List 3 complications of dyslipidaemia
MI
CHD
Very severe hypertriglyceridaemia= RF for pancreatitis.
What drugs interact with statins and increase risk of rhabdomyolysis?
Macrolides: Erythromycin, Clarithromycin
(inhibit P450 metabolism of statins)
