Medical term for high cholesterol
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Medical Term for High Cholesterol: Hypercholesterolemia
Understanding Hypercholesterolemia
Hypercholesterolemia is the medical term used to describe high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is essential for building cell membranes, making certain hormones, and producing compounds that aid in fat digestion. However, excessive cholesterol can lead to serious health issues, particularly heart disease.
Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Genetic Condition
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a specific type of hypercholesterolemia that is inherited. It is characterized by very high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from birth, which significantly increases the risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) . FH is caused by mutations in genes such as LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9, which are involved in cholesterol metabolism.
Diagnostic Criteria for Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Diagnosing FH involves measuring LDL-C levels and considering family history and clinical features. Elevated LDL-C levels, tendon xanthomas, and DNA mutations in specific genes are key indicators. Various diagnostic criteria, such as the Simon Broome Register and Dutch Lipid Clinic Network, are used to identify FH, and new simplified definitions have been proposed to facilitate diagnosis.
Health Implications of High Cholesterol
High cholesterol, whether due to FH or other causes, increases the risk of developing heart disease. Cholesterol can build up in the blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis, which can result in heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease (PAD) .
Treatment and Management
Managing hypercholesterolemia, especially FH, requires aggressive lipid-lowering strategies. Statins are the first-line therapy, but additional medications like ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants, and PCSK9 inhibitors may be necessary to achieve target LDL-C reductions . Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving cardiovascular outcomes and longevity.
Conclusion
Hypercholesterolemia, particularly familial hypercholesterolemia, is a significant health concern due to its association with increased cardiovascular risk. Understanding the genetic and clinical aspects of FH, along with effective management strategies, is essential for reducing the burden of heart disease associated with high cholesterol levels.
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