Fats (lipids) play an important role in metabolism. They are a source of energy and vitamins, are part of cell structures, and are the basis for various hormonal structures. In the blood, lipids circulate in combination with proteins. Elevated lipid levels are a risk factor for coronary heart disease, vascular damage to the brain and extremities.

Elevated levels of lipids in the blood have a genetic predisposition, which manifests itself in conditions of improper lifestyle.

The level of the two main types of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) reflects the state of fat metabolism. Cholesterol is a part of all our cells, and 85% of cholesterol is produced by the human body itself, and 15% comes from food. Cholesterol is contained in animal products such as meat, eggs, dairy products. A diet rich in foods containing cholesterol can significantly increase blood levels.

Two types of cholesterol associated with proteins circulate in the blood: a high-density complex (HDL), which is high in protein and low in fat, and a low-density complex (LDL), which is high in fat and low in protein.
The first one (HDL) is called good cholesterol, and the second (LDL) is called bad one.

Bad cholesterol (LDL) is responsible for the accumulation of fat in the cells of the body, and its high level is one of the important factors in the development of atherosclerotic vascular lesions. The essence of this process is the deposition of fat-containing material in the walls of blood vessels, followed by their narrowing until they are completely blocked.
This leads to disruption of blood supply and subsequently to tissue damage in the area where the damaged vessel provides blood supply. The main targets of atherosclerosis are the vessels of the brain, heart, kidneys, and peripheral vessels of the legs.

The level of good cholesterol (HDL) reflects its excretion, that is, the transfer from the cells of the body to the liver and further release into the gastrointestinal tract. High levels of good cholesterol reduce the risk of vascular damage.

A low level of good cholesterol is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic vascular disease, regardless of the level of bad. This condition usually develops as a result of insufficient physical activity, obesity, and smoking. Men are more likely to have low levels of good cholesterol than women, and this is due to the action of female sex hormones.

Triglycerides have an important energy function and are the main source of energy for muscles. Just like with cholesterol, there are two sources of triglycerides in the body: food and its own synthesis in the liver.
Unlike cholesterol, most triglycerides are absorbed into the body through food. Foods rich in carbohydrates increase blood triglyceride levels and, consequently, the risk of cardiovascular disease.

People with elevated blood triglycerides are generally overweight, have low good cholesterol, high blood pressure, and carbohydrate metabolism disorders (diabetes). All of these characteristics include a disease called “metabolic syndrome”.

Measuring blood lipids is a mandatory part of a medical examination in Western countries. All healthy adults over 20 years of age and not at risk should have this test at least once every 5 years. For the accuracy of the study, it is necessary to stop eating 12 hours before the examination.

The complete lipid profile includes studies on total cholesterol, good and bad cholesterol, and triglycerides. The level of bad cholesterol (LDL) is the most important predictor of heart disease.

The level of lipids in the blood is one of the basic indicators of health status. Every civilized person who knows his height, weight, blood pressure should be well informed about the role of lipids in the body and their level.

The range of normal blood lipids depends on age, history of previous vascular disease, and concomitant cardiovascular risk factors (high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, family history).

Proper nutrition and diet are the first and essential steps to normalizing blood lipids. Diet can be the main type of treatment for patients with elevated triglyceride levels, and its effectiveness can be judged by the degree of its decrease.

Quitting smoking, being physically active, losing weight, and eating moderate amounts of dry red wine can increase your good cholesterol levels.

Normalizing bad cholesterol levels, along with diet, requires medication. The main ones here are drugs belonging to the Statins group. Akiro Endo and Masao Kyroda (Japan) discovered this group of drugs in 1971. They block the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of bad cholesterol in the liver, thereby decreasing its content in the blood. In addition, a number of their effects on reducing vascular risk are discussed.

A large clinical experience has been collected, indicating their effectiveness both in reducing the level of bad cholesterol and, in general, in reducing the number of acute cardiovascular diseases. Today, almost every patient suffering from cardiovascular disease takes these drugs. They are also used to prevent and treat high lipid levels.

Ezetrol is a drug that interferes with the absorption of lipids from the gastrointestinal tract, and thus lowers their blood levels. Ezetrol is only taken with statins and has been shown to be clinically effective.

A new group of drugs (monoclonal antibodies, PCSK9 inhibitors) has proven effective in patients with hyperlipidemia. Alirocumab and Evolocumab are injected subcutaneously 2 times a month.

Elevated blood lipids are a common disease without pain or dysfunction, and in only a few cases with skin manifestations. On the other hand, it is the most important risk factor for the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases.

A patient with elevated blood lipids, despite the absence of clinical manifestations, should be monitored and have sufficient Compliance for continuous treatment.