Hyperlipidemia is an abnormally high level of blood lipids and lipoproteins (LeMone, 2015, p. 867). There are two categories of hyperlipidemia: primary and secondary. Primary hyperlipidemia is due to a genetic defect. “There may be a defective synthesis of the apolipoproteins, a lack of lipoprotein receptors, defective receptors, or defects in the handling of cholesterol in the cell that are genetically determined” (Porth, 2011, p. 407). Secondary hyperlipidemia is initiated by other diseases such as: “diabetes, renal disorders, liver disorders, and Cushing syndrome” (Porth, 2011, p. 404). Lifestyle factors that can cause hyperlipidemia to manifest are alcohol consumption, estrogen administration, and other drug-associated factors
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The diagnosis of this disease process depends on their lipid profile, which is done after an overnight fast. LDL, HDL, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels are measured and then used to determine whether they have any risk factors (Porth, 2011, p. 407). “Cholesterol is carried in blood as VDL, LDL, and HDL, with the total serum cholesterol being equal to the sum of these three components” (Porth, 2011, p. 407). Levels that are considered high are greater than 240 for total cholesterol, greater than 160-189 for LDL, and greater than 60 for HDL (Porth, 2011, p. 406). If hyperlipidemia is not treated it can cause atherosclerotic plaque to buildup in arteries and occlude them causing partial or full ischemia. Atherosclerotic vascular disease is what develops if left untreated. This is done when LDL levels buildup and begin to enter the vessel wall and become oxidized (Porth, 2011, p. 405). “Elevated triglycerides also contribute to the risk of coronary heart disease” (LeMone, 2015, p. 867) if the plaque buildup develops in the vessels of the …show more content…
People with hyperlipidemia are asymptomatic, which is the reason why I did not see any signs or symptoms of this disease. I looked through lab results and my patient did not have a lipid profile done. Since I do know that he was diagnosed with hyperlipidemia I can assume his LDL levels were greater than 160-189 mg/dL. A diagnosis of such disease also indicates his total cholesterol was high; more than likely greater than 240 mg/dL , since that level places an individual at high risk. At the hospital he was not on any medications that reduce cholesterol since he is allergic to HMG-coA reductase inhibitor, a statin to reduce cholesterol. If my patient does not reduce his total cholesterol or LDL levels he could develop atherosclerotic plaques, which can further worsen his state of
The diagnosis of this disease process depends on their lipid profile, which is done after an overnight fast. LDL, HDL, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels are measured and then used to determine whether they have any risk factors (Porth, 2011, p. 407). “Cholesterol is carried in blood as VDL, LDL, and HDL, with the total serum cholesterol being equal to the sum of these three components” (Porth, 2011, p. 407). Levels that are considered high are greater than 240 for total cholesterol, greater than 160-189 for LDL, and greater than 60 for HDL (Porth, 2011, p. 406). If hyperlipidemia is not treated it can cause atherosclerotic plaque to buildup in arteries and occlude them causing partial or full ischemia. Atherosclerotic vascular disease is what develops if left untreated. This is done when LDL levels buildup and begin to enter the vessel wall and become oxidized (Porth, 2011, p. 405). “Elevated triglycerides also contribute to the risk of coronary heart disease” (LeMone, 2015, p. 867) if the plaque buildup develops in the vessels of the …show more content…
People with hyperlipidemia are asymptomatic, which is the reason why I did not see any signs or symptoms of this disease. I looked through lab results and my patient did not have a lipid profile done. Since I do know that he was diagnosed with hyperlipidemia I can assume his LDL levels were greater than 160-189 mg/dL. A diagnosis of such disease also indicates his total cholesterol was high; more than likely greater than 240 mg/dL , since that level places an individual at high risk. At the hospital he was not on any medications that reduce cholesterol since he is allergic to HMG-coA reductase inhibitor, a statin to reduce cholesterol. If my patient does not reduce his total cholesterol or LDL levels he could develop atherosclerotic plaques, which can further worsen his state of