Dyslipidemia, which is classified as an ‘underlying disease’ together with hypertension, diabetes, etc., refers to a condition in which an abnormality occurs in blood lipid metabolism. Precisely, it refers to a condition in which blood lipids or fat components are excessively contained, and includes hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol).
When lipid metabolism is abnormal, the lipid concentration is abnormally increased or decreased, and atherosclerosis occurs or progresses. In addition, in most cases, special symptoms are clearly evident in dyslipidemia, and if left untreated for a long period of time, cholesterol builds up on the walls of blood vessels and narrows or blocks them, which can cause cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, and stroke (cerebral infarction). Because of this, management is required.
According to the ‘2020 Fact Sheet’ released by the Korean Society for Lipid and Atherosclerosis, 2 out of 5 adults aged 20 or older in Korea need treatment for dyslipidemia such as hypercholesterolemia. However, it was found that only 40% of patients continued treatment to the end. Although receiving treatment, regular tests showed normal values, so there are many patients who arbitrarily stop and prevent treatment. Therefore, experts recommend that you continue to receive treatment and consult with a specialist.
Dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. △high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) △high levels of triglycerides △high levels of total cholesterol, such as bad cholesterol + good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) + triglycerides △good cholesterol This is the case with low HDL cholesterol.
The state of high total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol, which is the main culprit of atherosclerosis, is called hypercholesterolemia, and the state of high triglyceride is called hypertriglyceridemia, and the two are called ‘hyperlipidemia’.
Cholesterol also has good cholesterol. That’s HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol, which prevents atherosclerosis, increases the risk of coronary artery disease if its concentration is appreciated.
The general standard for appropriate lipids for adults is △LDL (bad) cholesterol 130mg/dL △HDL (good) cholesterol 40mg/dL △total cholesterol 200mg/dL △triglyceride 150mg/dL. Here, experts recommend 60 mg/dL of HDL cholesterol.
If dyslipidemia is diagnosed, drug treatment, including statins, is performed. The dose of statin is adjusted to reach the LDL cholesterol target value according to the risk of cardiovascular disease. If it is difficult to control LDL cholesterol to less than 70 mg/dL even with the maximum dose of statin, additional administration of ezetimibe, a drug that inhibits cholesterol absorption, can be considered.
In addition to drug treatment, it is important to improve dietary habits in the management of dyslipidemia. As Korea has a culture of serving various side dishes with rice, the intake of carbohydrates is high. Accordingly, experts recommend eating whole grains such as multigrain and whole wheat instead of white rice, and eating raw vegetables, beans, and fish instead of red meat and processed meat as side dishes.
Exercise is also not to be missed. Regular exercise improves lipid and insulin sensitivity, vascular endothelial cell function, and improves risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as lowering blood pressure and stabilizing autonomic nerves. In particular, reducing body fat and maintaining an appropriate weight through aerobic exercise that increases oxygen consumption is a great help in managing dyslipidemia.
In addition, if you relieve muscle fatigue and relieve tension through flexibility exercises such as stretching, it can help blood circulation.