Dyslipidemia.doc

Dyslipidemia BUILDING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES VASCULAR PROTECTION – DYSLIPIDEMIA Diagnosis Definitions Dyslipidemia: is a diagnosis of “abnormal lipid levels”, as measured on a blood sample and which reflects one of several disorders in the metabolism of lipoproteins. It may be classifieds as: Hypercholesterolemia Low levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL) Hypertriglyceridemia The determination of these values is “derived from the normal values present within a population and also the treatment targets suggested for persons based on their risk classification” (Canadian Guidelines for Cardiac Rehabilitation and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, 2004, page 153). Cholesterol: is a fat-like substance (lipid) that is present in cell membranes and is a precursor of bile acids and steroid hormones. Cholesterol travels in the blood in distinct particles containing both lipid and proteins known as lipoproteins. There major classes of lipoproteins are found in the serum of a fasting individual: low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Lipoprotein: lipid particles surrounded by proteins transport cholesterol within the body. Each lipoprotein is a combination of triglyceride, cholesterol and protein unique to its type. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL): is commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol. It typically makes up 60-70% of the total serum cholesterol and contains a single apolipoprotein, namely apolipoprotein B (apo B). LDL is the major atherogenic lipoprotein and has long been identified by the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) as the primary target of cholesterol lowering therapy; the alternate primary target is apoB. Based on evidence, many experts have concluded that apoB is a better test by providing a better indication of vascular disease than LDL-C, a better index of how LDL therapy is working and less laboratory errors than the LDL-C. Not all experts