Hyperlipidaemia What is Hyperlipidaemia? Hyperlipidaemia, or high cholesterol, is present when your blood test shows that you have a high LDL cholesterol level (commonly called bad cholesterol), or a high total cholesterol level. Hyperlipidaemia is a common condition and is due to factors such as unhealthy diet, and genetic factors. A lot of individuals who have hyperlipidaemia also have diabetes and hypertension, and your doctor will recommend checking for these conditions as well.
Why should I be treated? Hyperlipidaemia increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Lowering your cholesterol levels by medication reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke significantly. Do I need any investigations? A simple and easy blood test measures your LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Sometimes, your doctor may do additional blood tests to check your thyroid hormones. If your cholesterol levels are very high, your doctor may suspect Familial Hyperlipidaemia, which is a genetic condition that causes very high cholesterol levels. You may then be recommended to do a further test to check for this condition.
Managing Your Lifestyle The following are strongly recommended: • Get 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least five times a week •
Keep your weight within the healthy range
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Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet
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Reduce your salt intake
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Moderate your alcohol intake and reduce your stress level
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Stop smoking
Treatment The main type of medication that lowers blood cholesterol is statins. This medication is effective and safe. Importantly, statins not only lower your blood cholesterol, but they reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke. Most patients tolerate statins very well and have few side effects. However, if you experience muscle aches, abdominal discomfort or feel unwell after taking statins, inform your doctor. Hyperlipidaemia increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Medication, especially statins, is safe and effective in reducing your blood cholesterol, and reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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