Hyperlipidemia SEM 2 Flashcards
Describe cholesterol.
A waxy, fat-like substance produced in the liver and is found in certain foods such as meat and diary.
Why does the body need cholesterol?
The cell membranes need it to produce hormones, vitamin D and bile acid. It is also involved in steroid hormone synthesis.
How does the cholesterol travel through the blood.
Cholesterol travels through the blood attached to a protein. The combination is called lipoprotein.
Name the three types of lipoprotein.
High Density Lipoprotein.
Low Density Lipoprotein.
Very Low Density Lipoprotein.
What defines the different types of lipoprotein?
The specific type depends on how much protein there is in relation to fat.
List the different types of cholesterol transporters.
Chylomicrons (transport of exogenous cholesterol)
VLDL lipoproteins (transport of endogenous and rich in tryglycerides)
IDL lipoproteins
LDL lipoproteins (converted form VLDL)
HDL lipoproteins (important for transporting LDL back to liver)
How is triglycerides transported in the blood?
Carried in the blood by VLDL.
In which diseases do you see an excess of triglycerides?
Diabetes and familial hypercholesterolemia.
What are the different treatment options for an excess triglycerides?
Diet, Niacin, Fibrates and Statins.
What factors cause hypercholesterolemia
Genetic (familial hypercholesterolemia), secondary (nephrotic syndrome, obstructive jaundice, alcohol, obesity, medication, dialysis) and environmental factors (obesity, dietary choices)
True or false: Familial hypercholesterolemia is the most common inherited condition affecting the vascular system.
True
Which other tissues does familial hypercholesterolemia affect?
Tendons (tendon xanthomas), skin, e.g. eyelids (xanthelasmata), and eye on the cornea (arcus cornealis)
Explain the cause behind familial hypercholesterolemia.
Mutations in the LDRL gene, basically results in high levels of cholesterol in the blood. As well as environmental factors.
What other diseases is Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) related to?
Associated with atherosclerosis. Higher the LDL the higher the risk of atherosclerosis.
What is another term used for LDL?
“Bad cholesterol”
Small dense LDL cholesterol particles is the bad cholesterol. The big fluffy LDL is not bad.
What are the optimal levels of LDL in the blood?
Lower is better, optimal levels <2.6 mmol/l
This level advocates as a target for patients with atherosclerosis.
What are the treatment options for patients with increased/high levels of LDL?
Statins, Ezetamide, Niacin, Plant sterols
Describe the role of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL).
Removes LDL from the blood stream to the liver. High HDL is associated with a decreased risk of atherosclerosis.
What factor increases HDL, and what factors decreases HDL?
Aerobic exercise increases HDL.
Smoking lowers HDL.
What are some of the factors affecting cholesterol levels?
Diet Weight Exercise Age Gender Diabetes Heredity Other, such as medications, medical conditions.
Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for which conditions?
Heart disease and stroke.
Coronary artery disease.
Peripheral vascular disease.
Link with hypertension.
How do you diagnose hypercholesterolemia?
Screening: lipoprotein profile
What are some of the treatment options for hypercholesterolemia?
Lifestyle modification; Diet (nuts, omega 3, fatty fish); Exercise; Weight loss; Medication
