The termshyperlipidemiaandhypercholesterolemiaare often used interchangeably but the two conditions are different, despite having some overlap.
This article will discuss the differences between hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia, including how each condition is diagnosed and treated.
The results may be catastrophic.
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Symptoms may include:
Hypercholesterolemia is also associated withxanthelasmas, yellow fatty deposits that build up under the skin.
They are often found around one’s hands, elbows, knees, or eyelids.
Causes
The way that hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia present is similar, but their underlying causes are different.
Knowing the difference between the two is integral to choosing the right treatment.
It is fairly common, affecting 1 in every 250 people.
Individuals with FH inherit a mutated LDL recycling gene from one or both of their parents.
A diagnosis of hyperlipidemia is made when total cholesterol levels are above 200 mg/dL.
A diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia is made when LDL cholesterol levels are above 130 mg/dL.
Dysfunctional recycling of LDL can lead to xanthomas, or yellow, fatty deposits on the elbows and eyelids.
The presence of xanthomas on physical examinations is highly suggestive of FH.
Lifestyle modification in people with hyperlipidemia forms a very important backbone of the treatment plan.
Therapeutic lifestyle changes comprise diet, weight management, and increased physical activity.
That said, prescription medication is usually also needed to get cholesterol levels down to optimal levels.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins are a mainstay oftreatmentfor both hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia.
Even when you do everything right, you may still experience high cholesterol levels.
Fortunately, hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia are highly treatable conditions, especially when they are diagnosed and treated early.
Whether you have hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia, lifestyle changes will be a staple of your treatment plan.
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National Organization for Rare Disease.Familial Hypercholesterolemia.
