Hyperlipidaemia Flashcards
What is hyperlipidaemia?
Abnormally high levels of >1 lipoproteins in plasma
What are the four main lipoproteins?
LDL (bad)
HDL (good)
VLDL
Chylomicrons
What is the link between hyperlipidaemia and vascular risk?
Hyperlipidaemia makes atheroma more likely
Increases overall cardiovascular risk
What is the cause of primary hyperlipidaemia?
Genetic predisposition to abnormal lipid metabolism
What is the cause of secondary hyperlipidaemia?
Systemic metabolic disturbance (obesity, alcohol, DM)
At what level does serum LDL level predispose to atheroma?
> 4
What are Xanthomata?
Lipid deposits on eyelids/cornea/tendons
What are the treatment options for hyperlipidaemia?
Lifestyle modification
Statins
Fibrates
How is the 10yr CV risk calculated?
QRisk2 Score
When are statins indicated?
Lifestyle modifications had no effect
QRisk2 >10%
How do statins work?
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
Stop cholesterol synthesis
Increase LDL receptor expression by hepatocytes, decreases circulating LDL
How should statins be taken?
40mg ON
What are the common side effects of statins?
Nausea
Headache
Muscle pains (rhabdomyolysis)
How do fibrates work?
PPAR alpha activators
Reduce TGs
What other medications may be used to treat hyperlipidaemia?
Cholestyramine (decreases fat absorption)
Ezetimibe (cholesterol absorption inhibitor)