Dyslipidaemia

Key points

• Raised LDL, high triglycerides, low HDL and mixed patterns all fall under dyslipidaemia.
• A minority of cases are inherited; most are linked to diet, inactivity, excess weight or poorly controlled diabetes.
• Fibrates such as gemfibrozil work well on high triglycerides and low HDL when lifestyle change alone is not enough.

What lies behind it

Inherited forms, grouped as familial dyslipidaemia, tend to appear in families and may need attention early. More commonly the drivers are everyday ones: fried food, white rice and processed snacks, little physical activity, weight around the abdomen, heavy drinking, and type 2 diabetes or hypothyroidism that is not well controlled. Where another condition is the cause, lipid levels often improve considerably once that condition is treated.

How it is found and tracked

Lipid levels are measured with blood tests. Repeat tests every few months show whether treatment is working and give a doctor a basis for adjusting it.

How it is treated

The first step is lifestyle change: less saturated fat, more fibre, regular exercise and less alcohol. If levels remain out of range, medicines are added. Fibrates such as gemfibrozil are used for high triglycerides and low HDL. Broader cholesterol management may need a combination approach chosen according to which lipid fraction is most out of range. Bempedoic acid 180mg tablets (bempedoic acid, product details) are used in hypercholesterolaemia and dyslipidaemia. Orders reach Malaysia from pharmacy partners in India in discreet packaging.

When to see a doctor

Speak to a doctor if levels stay out of range despite lifestyle change, or if you have diabetes, hypothyroidism or a family history of familial dyslipidaemia.

Further reading

• what to do if your cholesterol is too high | healthdirect
• Dyslipidaemia - Chronic Conditions Manual
• FOCUS on Dyslipidaemias - European Society of Cardiology
• Dyslipidemia - Hormonal and Metabolic Disorders - MSD Manual Consumer Version