Hyperlipidemia

Question 1

What are the general characteristics of hyperlipidemia?

Answer 1

Elevated LDL levels increase the risk of CAD; higher HDL levels are thought to be protective. Elevated TG are also a risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Question 2

How do patients present with hyperlipidemia?

Answer 2

most patients have no signs or symptoms, may have xanthomas

Question 3

The US Preventative Task Force recommends screening for patients with no evidence of CVD and no other risk factors should begin when?

Answer 3

35

Question 4

What is the treatment of choice for hyperlipidemia?

Answer 4

Lifestyle changes first then Statins

Question 5

What do statins do?

Answer 5

reduce cholesterol production in the liver and increase the ability of the liver to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. Statins lower LDL by 20-60% and TG by 15-30%.

Question 6

What is the optimal level for LDL?

Answer 6

<100

Question 7

What is the optimal level for HDL?

Answer 7

> 60

Question 8

What is the optimal level for Total cholesterol?

Answer 8

<200

Question 9

What does niacin do?

Answer 9

reduces long term risk of CAD by reducing production of VLDL, lowering LDL and increasing HDL. It may also lower TG.

Question 10

What is a side effect of niacin?

Answer 10

flushing

Question 11

What medication is the best for lowering TG?

Answer 11

Fibric acid (fibrates)