Hyperlipidemia (part 1)
Basically, as we all already know, high cholesterol is one of the cause of arteriosclerosis. The condition of high cholesterol is medically known as hyperlipidemia. There are many form of hyperlipidemia and each of them has its corresponding treatment.
What are lipids?
First, let us get familiar with the different type of lipids in our body. With this, it helps us understand what are those biochemical result actually means.
Here is the general idea. Lipids is broadly defined as any fat-soluble/hydrophobic organic molecules.
The 2 main type of lipids in our blood are:
(1) triacylglycerides -
Triacylglycerides are those we obtained from fats in our food. It’s main function is to provide energy. When in excess, it is stored mainly in adipose tissue.
(2) cholesterols -
Cholesterols are mainly synthesized by our liver. It’s main function is for cell membrane synthesis, hormone synthesis and vitamin D synthesis.
In what FORMS are lipids being transported?
The2 lipids (triacylglycerides and cholesterols) are being transported in our bloodstream in different forms.
(1) triacylglycerides are transported:
- from intestine to tissues by chylomicrons.
- from adipose tissues (depo/storage) to other tissues by VLDL (& LDL is a lesser extend)
(2) Cholesterols are transported:
- from liver (where it is synthesized) to tissues by LDL (& VLDL in a lesser extend)
# excessive cholesterol are transported back to the liver by HDL.
As we can see, LDL provide cholesterol. Where else, HDL reabsord them. That is why, high LDL and low HDL causes arteriosclerosis.
NOTE: chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL, HDL carries lipids by mean of specific apolipoproteins. Apolipoproteins are the hydrophilic parts. They bind to specific receptor of the cell membrane of our bodies tissues.
What do we get from blood biochemical test?
(1) triacylglycerides
(2) Cholesterols
(3) LDL (low density lipoproteins)
(4) HDL (high density lipoproteins)
(5) Chylomicron
(6) VLDL (very low density lipoproteins)
(7) IDL (intermediate density lipoproteins/ remnant of VLDL)
Their normal value (by European standard, 3rd revision in 2003)
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normal values |
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< 1.77 |
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< 5.0 in normal individuals < 4.5 in Ischemic Heart Disease, arteriosclerosis of peripheral & carotid artery, aneurysm of abdominal aorta, diabetes type 2 |
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< 3.0 in normal individuals < 2.6 in Ischemic Heart Disease, arteriosclerosis of peripheral & carotid artery, aneurysm of abdominal aorta, diabetes type 2 |
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< 1.0 in males < 1.2 in females |
|
? |
Type of hyperlipidemia
WHO Classificationof hyperlipidemia
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Increased parameter | atrogenic |
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increased cholesterol, triacylglycerides, chylomicrons | non-aterogenic |
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increased cholesterol, LDL | high |
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increased cholesterol, triacylglycerides, LDL, VLDL | high |
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increased cholesterol, tracylglycerides, IDL | high |
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increased triacylglycerides, VLDL | slight |
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increased cholesterol, triacylglycerides, chylomicrons, VLDL | low |
