Hyperlipidemia

Overview

Hyperlipidemia refers to high levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Over time, these excess fats can accumulate in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis.

At Cardiology Care NYC, we focus on diagnosing and managing hyperlipidemia through lifestyle changes, medical therapy, and ongoing monitoring to help patients maintain optimal heart health and prevent complications.

Causes

Hyperlipidemia can result from genetic, lifestyle, or metabolic factors. It may be primary (inherited) or secondary (caused by other conditions or habits).

Common Causes:

• Unhealthy diet: High intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and refined sugars.
• Lack of physical activity: Leads to poor cholesterol metabolism.
• Obesity or being overweight.
• Smoking and excessive alcohol use.
• Certain medical conditions: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, liver or kidney disease.
• Genetic disorders: Familial hypercholesterolemia or familial combined hyperlipidemia.

Risk Factors:

• Family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.
• High blood pressure.
• Sedentary lifestyle.
• Poor diet choices.
• Age (risk increases with age).
• Male gender (though women’s risk rises after menopause).

Identifying the cause helps in developing an effective, targeted treatment plan.

Symptoms

In most cases, hyperlipidemia has no symptoms; it’s often discovered through routine blood tests. However, over time, high cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in arteries, leading to complications such as:

• Chest pain or angina (due to coronary artery disease).
• Shortness of breath.
• Fatigue during exertion.
• Leg pain while walking (due to peripheral artery disease).
• Xanthomas (fatty deposits under the skin in severe hereditary cases).

Because symptoms often appear late, regular screening is crucial to detect and manage high lipid levels early.

Diagnosis

At Cardiology Care NYC, we use advanced diagnostic testing and imaging to evaluate cholesterol levels and assess overall cardiovascular health.

Diagnostic steps include:

• Lipid Panel (Blood Test): Measures total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides.
• Blood Glucose & HbA1c Tests: Identify diabetes or prediabetes, which can worsen lipid imbalance.
• Thyroid Function Tests: Rule out hypothyroidism as a secondary cause.
• Echocardiogram: Evaluates heart structure and pumping function.
• Stress test: Assesses how the heart performs under exertion.
• Doppler ultrasound and vascular ultrasound: Examine blood flow and detect plaque buildup or narrowing in arteries.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects irregular heart rhythms and signs of heart strain.
• Holter monitor: Provides continuous heart rhythm monitoring over 24–48 hours.
• Heart health screening and cardiac screening: Comprehensive assessments to identify cardiovascular risk factors early.
• Cardiology consultation: One-on-one expert evaluation to interpret results and build a personalized plan.

These services provide a complete picture of heart and vascular health, guiding personalized treatment for optimal outcomes.

Treatment

Our goal at Cardiology Care NYC is to manage hyperlipidemia through non-surgical, comprehensive care addressing both the cause and long-term prevention.

Lifestyle Modifications

Healthy habits are the foundation of lipid management.

We recommend:

• Adopting a heart-healthy diet: Limit saturated fats, avoid trans fats, and increase fiber intake through fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Regular exercise: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
• Weight management: Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI).
• Quit smoking: Smoking lowers HDL and increases LDL levels.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Manage stress through mindfulness or relaxation practices.

Medications

When lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, medications can effectively control lipid levels.

Common treatments include:

• Statins: Reduce LDL cholesterol and lower cardiovascular risk.
• Ezetimibe: Decreases cholesterol absorption in the intestines.
• PCSK9 inhibitors: Advanced therapy for resistant or hereditary hyperlipidemia.
• Fibrates: Lower triglyceride levels.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Help balance lipid levels naturally.

Each medication plan is customized, with close monitoring to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Ongoing Monitoring

Consistent follow-up is key to maintaining healthy lipid levels and preventing complications.

Our cardiologists emphasize:

• Regular lipid panel testing every 3–6 months.
• Blood pressure and glucose monitoring.
• Medication adjustments as needed.
• Lifestyle support and education for sustained improvement.

With proactive management, patients can significantly reduce their risk of heart attack, stroke, and arterial disease.

When to See a Doctor

Schedule a cardiology consultation if you:

• Have high cholesterol or triglycerides on routine testing.
• Have a family history of heart disease or hyperlipidemia.
• Are overweight, diabetic, or have high blood pressure.
• Experience chest discomfort, fatigue, or shortness of breath with activity.

Early detection and consistent care can make a life-changing difference. At Cardiology Care NYC, we provide personalized, evidence-based treatment to help you take control of your heart health and live confidently.