Lifestyle Disorders – Dyslipidemia

Lifestyle Disorders: Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia is the presence of unusual amounts of lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, or fat phospholipids) in the bloodstream. It is a major risk factor for heart diseases like coronary artery disease and stroke. In India, cholesterol levels are high in 25–30% of urban and 15–20% of the rural population.

Common Forms

• High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol — leads to accumulation of fats in the arteries

• Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol — reduces the body’s ability to remove LDL from the blood

• High levels of triglycerides

Do Genes Have Anything to Do with It?

• HDL Cholesterol — genetic variation in LPL, NUTF2, CETP, and LIPG genes all influence HDL levels and lipid metabolism

• LDL Cholesterol — the Apolipoprotein family of genes (APOB, APOC1) and LDLR variants influence LDL concentration in the body

• Triglyceride Levels — variants near MLXIP, GALNT2, and the APOA5-A4-C3-A1 gene complex are associated with elevated triglyceride levels

• Fat Sensitivity — PPARG gene variation affects sensitivity to dietary fat, caloric intake/expenditure, and adipose metabolism

Managing Dyslipidemia — Diet and Lifestyle

• Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight

• Decrease in consumption of concentrated sugars and alcohol

• Foods like whole egg, spinach, avocado, and apple can have positive effects

• Smoking cessation and management of hypertension and diabetes