Hyperlipidemia Flashcards
What are the two main types of lipids?
Cholesterol and triglycerides.
Why do lipids need transporters (such as lipoproteins) to move around the body?
They are water-insoluble.
What are lipoproteins?
Spherical macromolecules of lipid and apolipoprotein.
Where is each type of lipoprotein synthesized?
- Chylomicron: intestine.
- VLDL and LDL: liver.
- HDL: peripheral tissues.
What is the function of chylomicrons?
Carry exogenous triglycerides and cholesterol from the gut to blood circulation.
What does VLDL transport?
Endogenous triglycerides from the liver to blood circulation.
What is the role of LDL?
Carry endogenous cholesterol from the liver to blood circulation.
What does HDL do?
Carries cholesterol from peripheral tissues and blood to the liver for metabolism and/or secretion.
What are the three lipid-related factors correlated with coronary heart disease (CHD)?
Elevated LDL-C, elevated triglycerides, low HDL-C.
What do plasma lipids mostly consist of?
Lipoproteins.
What are lipoproteins a combination of?
Triglyceride or cholesterol with apoprotein.
List the clinically important lipoproteins in decreasing order of atherogenicity.
LDL > VLDL > chylomicrons > HDL.
What is the primary effect of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors on LDL-C?
Lower elevated LDL-C.
What is the result of lowering LDL-C with HMG CoA reductase inhibitors?
Reduction in coronary events and death from CHD.
How are HMG CoA reductase inhibitors commonly known?
Statins.
Name some common statins.
Lovastatin, Simvastatin, Pravastatin, Atorvastatin, Fluvastatin, Pitavastatin, Rosuvastatin.
Which statin is the most effective?
Rosuvastatin.
How do HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) lower LDL cholesterol?
Statins competitively inhibit HMG CoA reductase, the rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis, depleting intracellular cholesterol. This increases cell surface LDL receptors, which bind and internalize circulating LDLs, leading to increased LDL catabolism.
What additional effects do HMG CoA reductase inhibitors have?
Decrease triglyceride levels, increase HDL cholesterol levels in some patients.
What is the primary treatment option for hypercholesterolemia?
Statins.
For which patients are statins considered first-line treatment?
Patients with elevated risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
What is the effect of statins on plasma cholesterol levels?
They lower plasma cholesterol levels in all types of hyperlipidemias.
When should statins be administered and why?
In the evening, because major cholesterol synthesis happens in the early morning.
What are the common adverse effects of statins?
Elevated liver enzymes (hepatotoxicity), myopathy, and rhabdomyolysis.
How can statins affect warfarin?
They may increase the effect of warfarin by inhibiting its metabolism.
Why are statins contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation?
Due to potential adverse effects on the fetus and infant.
By what percentage does niacin reduce LDL-C?
20%.
By what percentage does niacin lower triglycerides?
35%.