PRINCIPLES AND TREATMENT APPROACHES OF DYSLIPIDAEMIAS: A REVIEW

Abstract

Dyslipidaemia is a common clinical problem globally. It includes abnormality in LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The prevalence of dyslipidaemia observed higher in males than females among urban Indian adults.(1) Hypertension and dyslipidaemia are well established risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases. There is frequent coexistence of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.(2) This prevalence varies globally. Causes of dyslipidaemia are either primary disorders of lipoproteins or secondary to metabolic causes. In addition to metabolic syndrome, other causes of combined dyslipidaemia are lack of physical activity, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus etc. Clinical conditions such as metabolic syndromes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, early atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes results due to Overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescents. Familial hypercholesterolemia is predominant during childhood with elevated Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Hypertriglyceridemia are elevations of either chylomicron, intermediate density lipoproteins (IDL) or very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Combined dyslipidaemia include abnormalities of severe lipoproteins, usually elevated LDL-C and triglyceride (TG) with low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Non pharmacologic management of several dyslipidaemias include lifestyle modification, regular exercise, weight management and nutritional approach. Pharmacologic management with statin is individualised based on overall risk, pattern of dyslipidaemia and associated medical conditions. Combination medication to treat cholesterol may be effective when a single agent is ineffective or there is a need to reduce the dosage of medication.