Mixed Dyslipidemias

Mixed Dyslipidemias: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Mixed dyslipidemias refer to the presence of two or more abnormal lipid components on an individual’s blood profile. It is characterized by high cholesterol, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol. This condition is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Causes of Mixed Dyslipidemias:

• Unhealthy Eating Habits – Eating a diet high in saturated fat, trans fats, salt or sugar can lead to an increase in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Excess weight and obesity – Excess body weight can contribute to mixed dyslipidemias due to stress hormones being triggered, causing an elevation of cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Lack of Exercise – Physical inactivity can cause a decrease in HDL levels and can lead to increased levels of other blood lipids.
• Smoking & Excessive Alcohol Use – These habits may primarily increase LDL cholesterol but can also increase other lipid components.

Diagnosis of Mixed Dyslipidemias:

Your doctor may diagnose you with mixed dyslipidemias after a lipoprotein analysis. This test measures the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in your blood. Your doctor may also consider risk factors such as your age, family history, diet and lifestyle when diagnosing you.

Treatment of Mixed Dyslipidemias:

The treatment for mixed dyslipidemias is usually an aggressive nutrition and exercise plan. Your doctor will also likely recommend lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption and avoiding saturated fats and trans fats. Depending on your risk factors, your doctor may also prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications.