Dyslipidaemia

What is dyslipidaemia?

Dyslipidaemia is a broader term than high cholesterol — it encompasses any abnormality in blood lipid levels, including elevated LDL, reduced HDL (the protective cholesterol), or raised triglycerides. Each abnormality independently increases cardiovascular risk, and when combined the risk is significantly amplified.

A full fasting lipid panel gives a complete picture of your lipid profile and is used alongside other cardiovascular risk factors — age, blood pressure, smoking status, and diabetes — to calculate your overall 10-year cardiovascular risk and guide treatment decisions.

Causes & risk factors

• Diet high in saturated fat, trans fats, and refined sugars
• Physical inactivity and excess body weight
• Familial hypercholesterolaemia — a genetic condition causing very high LDL from an early age
• Diabetes and insulin resistance — strongly associated with elevated triglycerides and low HDL
• Hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and liver conditions
• Certain medications including corticosteroids, beta-blockers, and some HIV treatments
• Excessive alcohol intake — raises triglycerides significantly

When to see a doctor

All adults over 40 — and younger adults with risk factors — should have a fasting lipid panel. If you have a family history of early heart disease or have been told a family member has familial hypercholesterolaemia, testing should begin earlier. Regular monitoring is essential if you are already on treatment.

Treatment options

• Dietary changes — reducing saturated and trans fats, increasing fibre, oily fish, and plant sterols
• Regular aerobic exercise — raises HDL and lowers LDL and triglycerides
• Statins — first-line medication for elevated LDL and overall cardiovascular risk reduction
• Fibrates — particularly effective for high triglycerides
• Ezetimibe — reduces cholesterol absorption, used alone or with statins
• PCSK9 inhibitors — for very high-risk patients or statin intolerance
• Omega-3 fatty acids at high doses — for severe hypertriglyceridaemia

How eMedClinic can help

Our doctors interpret lipid panels in the context of your full cardiovascular risk profile, prescribe and review lipid-lowering medication, and provide dietary and lifestyle guidance. We support patients who have moved abroad and need continuity of their lipid management without interruption.