Question 1

What is hyperlipidemia?

Accepted Answer

Hyperlipidemia is a condition characterized by abnormally high levels of lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It is caused by genetic factors, dietary intake of saturated fats, obesity, diabetes, and certain medications. The Lipoprotein Fractionation NMR test is the most important test for diagnosis because it provides comprehensive analysis of all lipoprotein particles and lipid components.

Question 2

What causes hyperlipidemia?

Accepted Answer

Hyperlipidemia is caused by a combination of genetic factors, poor dietary habits, and lifestyle choices. Consuming too many saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol from foods like red meat, full-fat dairy, and processed foods elevates blood lipid levels. Additional causes include obesity, physical inactivity, type 2 diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, and certain medications like beta-blockers, diuretics, and corticosteroids. Familial hyperlipidemia is an inherited condition where genetics cause extremely high cholesterol levels from birth. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption also contribute to abnormal lipid levels by affecting how your liver processes fats.

Question 3

What is the best test for hyperlipidemia?

Accepted Answer

The Lipoprotein Fractionation NMR test is the most important test for hyperlipidemia because it provides the most comprehensive analysis of all lipoprotein particles in your blood, including LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Unlike standard lipid panels, this advanced test measures particle size and number, which gives a more accurate assessment of your cardiovascular disease risk. The test detects subtle abnormalities in lipid metabolism that basic cholesterol tests might miss. For patients taking sirolimus or other medications that affect lipid levels, the Sirolimus LC/MS/MS test is also essential to monitor drug levels and prevent medication-induced hyperlipidemia.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hyperlipidemia?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, are overweight or obese, have diabetes or prediabetes, or are over age 40. Get tested immediately if you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or have been diagnosed with conditions like metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, or kidney disease. If you take medications known to raise cholesterol levels, including steroids, beta-blockers, or immunosuppressants like sirolimus, regular testing is crucial. Adults should have their lipid levels checked at least every five years, but those with risk factors need more frequent monitoring every six months to a year.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hyperlipidemia?

Accepted Answer

Hyperlipidemia typically has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why it is often called a silent condition. Most people discover they have high cholesterol only through routine blood work. However, in severe or long-standing cases, you might notice yellowish deposits of cholesterol under the skin called xanthomas, particularly around the eyes, elbows, knees, or tendons. Some people develop a white or gray ring around the cornea of the eye called corneal arcus. Extremely high triglyceride levels can cause abdominal pain and pancreatitis. When hyperlipidemia leads to cardiovascular disease, symptoms like chest pain, leg pain when walking, or sudden numbness may appear.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hyperlipidemia?

Accepted Answer

People with a family history of high cholesterol or premature heart disease are at highest risk for hyperlipidemia, especially those with familial hypercholesterolemia. Your risk increases significantly if you are overweight or obese, physically inactive, smoke cigarettes, or consume a diet high in saturated fats and trans fats. People with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, or polycystic ovary syndrome have elevated risk. Men over age 45 and women over age 55 are more susceptible. Certain ethnic groups, including South Asians and people of African descent, have higher rates. Taking medications like corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, progestins, or immunosuppressants also increases your risk.

Question 7

What happens if hyperlipidemia is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hyperlipidemia leads to atherosclerosis, where cholesterol and fatty deposits build up in artery walls, narrowing and hardening blood vessels throughout your body. This significantly increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. You may develop coronary artery disease, which causes chest pain and can lead to heart failure. Narrowed arteries to the brain increase stroke risk, potentially causing permanent disability or death. Reduced blood flow to your legs causes painful cramping when walking and can progress to critical limb ischemia requiring amputation. Very high triglycerides can trigger acute pancreatitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. The longer hyperlipidemia remains untreated, the greater the cumulative damage to your cardiovascular system.

Question 8

Can hyperlipidemia be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hyperlipidemia is definitively diagnosed through blood tests that measure lipid levels in your bloodstream. The most common test is a lipid panel or lipid profile, which measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides after fasting for 9-12 hours. The advanced Lipoprotein Fractionation NMR test provides even more detailed information about particle size and number, offering superior risk assessment. Blood tests are the only way to detect hyperlipidemia since the condition rarely causes symptoms. Your doctor will compare your results against target ranges based on your age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors. Regular blood testing is essential for monitoring treatment effectiveness and adjusting medications or lifestyle changes accordingly.

Question 9

How is hyperlipidemia treated?

Accepted Answer

Hyperlipidemia is treated through a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications. First-line treatment includes adopting a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and trans fats, increasing physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking. If lifestyle changes alone are insufficient, your doctor will prescribe statins like atorvastatin or rosuvastatin, which are the most effective medications for lowering LDL cholesterol. Other medications include ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, fibrates for high triglycerides, bile acid sequestrants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Treatment is individualized based on your lipid levels, cardiovascular risk factors, and response to therapy, with regular blood tests to monitor progress and adjust medications as needed.

Question 10

How can I prevent hyperlipidemia?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent hyperlipidemia by maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats from sources like olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish. Limit saturated fats from red meat and full-fat dairy, and avoid trans fats found in processed and fried foods. Exercise regularly with at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week to raise HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides. Maintain a healthy weight, as losing just 5-10% of body weight can significantly improve lipid levels. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men. Manage underlying conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism, and get regular cholesterol screenings to catch problems early.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with hyperlipidemia?

Accepted Answer

Natural remedies that help manage hyperlipidemia include increasing soluble fiber intake from oats, barley, beans, lentils, apples, and psyllium husk, which can lower LDL cholesterol by 5-10%. Plant sterols and stanols found in fortified foods and supplements block cholesterol absorption in the intestines. Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, or from fish oil supplements, lower triglycerides significantly. Green tea, garlic, and red yeast rice extract have shown modest cholesterol-lowering effects in studies. Regular consumption of nuts like almonds and walnuts improves lipid profiles. However, these natural approaches work best when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, and should complement rather than replace prescribed medications for people with significantly elevated lipid levels or high cardiovascular risk.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Hyperlipidemia Blood Test

What is Hyperlipidemia?

What causes hyperlipidemia?

What is the best test for hyperlipidemia?

When should I get tested for hyperlipidemia?

References

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