From the Guidelines
Dyslipidemia is characterized by laboratory abnormalities such as elevated total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides, with optimal goals being LDL cholesterol < 100 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol > 35 mg/dL, and triglycerides < 150 mg/dL, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The main signs of dyslipidemia include:
- Elevated total cholesterol (above 200 mg/dL)
- High LDL cholesterol (above 130 mg/dL)
- Low HDL cholesterol (below 40 mg/dL in men or 50 mg/dL in women)
- Elevated triglycerides (above 150 mg/dL) Physical manifestations may include:
- Xanthomas (yellowish cholesterol deposits on tendons or skin)
- Xanthelasmas (yellowish plaques on eyelids)
- Corneal arcus (white-gray ring around the cornea, especially in younger patients) Some patients might develop complications like atherosclerosis leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, or peripheral artery disease with leg pain during walking. Family history of early heart disease or stroke can suggest familial dyslipidemia. Diagnosis requires blood tests performed after 9-12 hours of fasting. Regular lipid screening is recommended for adults starting at age 20, with more frequent monitoring for those with risk factors like diabetes, obesity, smoking, or family history of cardiovascular disease, as supported by previous studies 1. Early detection and management through lifestyle modifications, such as reducing saturated fat to 7% of energy and dietary cholesterol to 200 mg/day, increasing viscous fiber, and plant stanols/sterols, and possibly medications, such as statins, can prevent serious cardiovascular complications, as recommended by recent guidelines 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
A variety of clinical studies have demonstrated that elevated levels of total cholesterol (total-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and apolipoprotein B (apo B), an LDL membrane complex, are associated with human atherosclerosis Similarly, decreased levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and its transport complex, apolipoprotein A (apo AI and apo AII) are associated with the development of atherosclerosis. The signs of dyslipidemia include:
- Elevated levels of total cholesterol (total-C)
- Elevated levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)
- Elevated levels of apolipoprotein B (apo B)
- Decreased levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)
- Decreased levels of apolipoprotein A (apo AI and apo AII)
- Elevated levels of triglycerides (TG) 2
From the Research
Signs of Dyslipidemia
The signs of dyslipidemia can be identified through various lipid profiles and their effects on the body. Some key indicators include:
- High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as "good" cholesterol 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- High levels of triglycerides (TG) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
- Presence of small, dense LDL particles 3, 5
- Accumulation of cholesterol-rich remnant particles 3
- Increased levels of non-HDL cholesterol, which encompasses all plasma lipoproteins except HDL 4, 5
Atherogenic Dyslipidemia
Atherogenic dyslipidemia is a specific type of dyslipidemia characterized by:
- High levels of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) 5
- Low levels of HDL cholesterol 5
- High proportion of small and dense LDL particles 5
- Increased plasma triglyceride (TG) levels 5
Cardiovascular Risk
Dyslipidemia is a risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) 4, 5, 6, 7. The signs of dyslipidemia can contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease.