Are You At Risk for Atherogenic Dyslipidaemia?

This rarely heard of lifestyle-related condition called atherogenic dyslipidaemia can lead to a syndrome of high triglyceride (TG) but low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) which can cause a health concern. This article will give you useful insights into facts, risk factors and treatments on atherogenic dyslipidaemia.

While mentioning lifestyle-related diseases nowadays, most people will think of liver disease (cirrhosis), diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and even hypertension. But, most of them rarely heard of another type of lifestyle-related condition called atherogenic dyslipidaemia. Here, I will give you an insight on this rarely heard condition.

What is Atherogenic Dyslipidaemia?

Atherogenic Dyslipidaemia in general, refers to a syndrome of low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) but high triglyceride (TG). This condition will lead to a higher occurrence of cardiovascular disease.

Individuals with atherogenic dyslipaemia are frequently at a higher risk of developing heart related ailments. Since this condition is asymptomatic, you can only detect its presence by undergoing a blood test for lipid levels.

Who Is At Risk Of Atherogenic Dyslipidaemia?

Individuals with a family record of cardiovascular disease are at increased risk of developing atherogenic dyslipidaemia. Lifestyle-linked conditions include obesity, diabetes and/or those who lead a sedentary lifestyle as an inactive life adds another risk factor of developing it. Therefore, it is important for these individuals to better manage their lifestyle.

Can Atherogenic Dyslipidaemia be Treated?

Prior to prescribing medications, doctor will assess your global risk for a cardiovascular (CV) event by monitoring you under stringent tests. The doctor will base your CV risks upon factors which include family record of diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease; age, obesity, eating disorders, drinking alcohol and smoking. If you have these CV risks, you would need treatment.

How is Atherogenic Dyslipidaemia Treated?

The change in habits can help treat atherogenic dyslipidaemia. In particular, lifestyle changes include a low-fat diet, increased physical activities, and weight reduction for example, as the first-line treatment since atherogenic dyslipidaemia is associated with lifestyle conditions. If after employing these lifestyle changes, atherogenic dyslipidaemia persists, then you will need to undergo medication treatment with fibrates involving niacin and fenofibrate.

Doctors always recommend fenofibrate in treating atherogenic dyslipidaemia. Fenofibrate is an anti-lipemic class of medication which is used to help increase the rate of the processes that aids in eliminating cholesterol from the body. In this process, fenofibrate helps inhibit the release of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in the liver that contains primarily triglycerides (TG) besides stimulating an enzyme, lipoprotein lipase to curb the release of some lipids and to reduce the lipid levels mainly from the liver.

In certain conditions, when fenofibrate is taken together with a low-fat diet, it helps reduce the levels of TG and cholesterol in the blood. In a nutshell, fenofibrate helps increase HDL level in the blood.

For those taking fenofibrate, it is advisable to reduce their weight to the ideal body by adopting a healthy eating habit and lifestyle. They should commit themselves by exercising regularly- at least 3 times a week and 30 minutes per day, walking as much as possible, doing more physically active activities, and, where necessary, weight loss. They should also abstain from alcohol as alcohol plays a major role in raising TG levels, which will lead to liver damage. As for diet, they should be on a low-fat diet by consuming plenty of vegetables and fruits, and simultaneously cutting off the quantity of food and amount of fat consumed especially those oily foods.

Is There Any Side-effects of Fenofibrate and Contraindications?

Important note for those taking fenofibrate is that they may experience side effects of abdominal pain or muscle aches. It is important that individuals taking this medication to consult a doctor immediately, if they experience these symptoms or other medical condition including fever, nausea, allergy reactions (such as swelling of the eyes or lips, difficulty in breathing, hives), rashes, and other abnormal conditions.

It is important to note that fenofibrate may cause contraindications among patients with liver and kidney insufficiency, and those with liver or kidney related problems. This medication may also increase the risk of bleeding particularly among patients who are taking oral anticoagulants.

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