Medipost Pharmacy
Media release
Hyperlipidaemia: The silent attack
What exactly is hyperlipidaemia, and why should you care about it?
Tuesday, 3 September 2024, Imagine enjoying a sunny afternoon stroll in the park or a cosy family dinner, blissfully unaware of a hidden threat quietly building up inside your body.
This silent attacker, known as hyperlipidaemia or high cholesterol, lies in wait without any obvious symptoms, quietly setting the stage for serious health issues further down the road. But what exactly is hyperlipidaemia, and why should you care about it?
“Hyperlipidaemia is a condition that can easily go unnoticed because it generally has no symptoms until it results in serious health events,” explains Marilize Hattingh, a pharmacist at Medipost Pharmacy. “It is a silent assailant that most patients are not aware of until they suffer a stroke or heart attack.”
“Essentially, hyperlipidaemia means having high levels of fats, such as cholesterol and triglycerides, in your blood. When these fats accumulate, they can form plaque inside your blood vessels. This buildup, called atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes and diseases affecting the outer blood vessels.
“It is important to understand that not all cholesterol is harmful,” explains Hattingh.
“Low-density lipoprotein [LDL] is often called ‘bad’ cholesterol because it can build up in your arteries, while high-density lipoprotein [HDL] is referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol because it helps remove LDL. Very low-density lipoprotein [VLDL] and triglycerides, on the other hand, are other types of fats that need to be balanced for good health,” she adds.
The chronic nature of hyperlipidaemia
“Generally, hyperlipidaemia cannot be resolved quickly as it is a chronic condition that often requires lifelong management. In South Africa, it is classified as one of the 26 prescribed minimum benefit (PMB) conditions on the chronic disease list.
“While lifestyle factors like being overweight, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to high cholesterol levels, genetics also play a significant role. Understanding whether hyperlipidaemia is lifestyle-induced or genetic is crucial for effective management,” notes Hattingh.
The role of medications
Managing hyperlipidaemia often involves a mix of lifestyle changes and medications. Statins are the most commonly prescribed medication to lower cholesterol. They reduce the liver’s ability to produce cholesterol, lowering the levels of ‘bad’ LDL and VLDL cholesterol in the blood.
According to Hattingh, statins are essential in treating hyperlipidaemia because they effectively reduce bad cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease. “There are also newer treatments like Ezetimibe, which prevents cholesterol absorption in the intestine, and PCSK9 inhibitors such as alirocumab and evolocumab, which greatly reduce LDL levels. However, these new treatments can be expensive and are usually not the first option for treatment,” she suggests.
Monitoring and side effects
Regular blood tests are crucial to tracking the effectiveness of the treatment. For this reason, your doctor will usually request a blood test known as a lipogram every six months to measure LDL, HDL, VLDL, and triglyceride levels. Monitoring helps us adjust treatment plans for the best results.
“Like all medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs can have side effects. Common ones include muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. Sometimes, more serious side effects like liver issues can also occur. Patients need to report any side effects to their healthcare provider so they can be managed properly,” cautions Hattingh.
Taking your prescribed medication as directed is crucial for managing hyperlipidaemia. “For the medication to work best, it needs to build up to the right level in your blood, which only happens if you take it as prescribed. If you miss doses, the medication won’t be as effective, making it harder to control your cholesterol,” explains Hattingh.
Lifestyle changes: The first line of defence
“The initial treatment for hyperlipidaemia should always involve lifestyle changes, which can be combined with medication if necessary. Relying solely on medication without addressing lifestyle factors won’t give the best results,” Hattingh advises.
Eating fewer saturated and trans fats and adding more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can significantly lower cholesterol levels.
“Medication alone isn’t enough to manage cholesterol. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and minimal alcohol consumption are essential,” stresses Hattingh.
“Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, boosts heart health, and lowers cholesterol levels. Even moderate exercise, like brisk walking, can significantly help to reduce cholesterol levels.
“If you smoke, quitting should be a priority, as smoking lowers the HDL ‘good’ cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease.
“Patients need to take charge of improving their lifestyle habits to optimise the effectiveness of treatment,” she emphasises.
“Hyperlipidaemia may be a silent attacker, but its impact can be significantly reduced with regular cholesterol screening, proper management and education. Understanding adherence, recognising medication side effects, and making informed dietary and lifestyle choices can lower the risks associated with this condition,” concludes Hattingh.
For more information, please visit https://medipost.co.za/ or send a WhatsApp to 012 426 4655.
Ends
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Issued by: Martina Nicholson Associates (MNA) on behalf of Medipost Pharmacy
For media enquiries contact: Martina Nicholson, Meggan Saville, or Estene Lotriet-Vorster
Telephone: (011) 469 3016
Email: connect@mnapr.co.za, martina@mnapr.co.za, meggan@mnapr.co.za or estene@mnapr.co.za