Dyslipidemia - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment With Unani Medicine

Introduction

Dyslipidemia, also known as hyperlipidemia, is a condition of an increased level of cholesterol or fat in the blood. It increases the risk of heart attack as the blood can not flow easily through the arteries. Some physical exercise and healthy food can control it; some require medication.

What Is Dyslipidemia?

Dyslipidemia or high cholesterol means increased lipid fat in the blood. The liver produces cholesterol that helps to digest food and helps in making hormones. Too much cholesterol intake is unhealthy because it can block the arteries, decreasing blood flow and leading to heart attacks. The blood contains three lipids:

• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

High-density proteins are good cholesterols that bring cholesterol to the liver, where it is eliminated, clearing the way for the blood to flow easily through the arteries.

• Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL)

These are harmful proteins as they may block the arteries, disturbing blood flow and causing a heart attack.

• Very Low-Density Lipoproteins (VLDL) Or Triglycerides

It is a bad protein that contains triglycerides which can add to the plaque formed in the arteries, resulting in a heart attack.

Dyslipidemia results from increased levels of LDL OR VLDL (triglyceride) and low levels of HDL, which causes plaque in the arteries, causing disturbed blood flow through arteries and heart attacks.

What Are the Effects of Dyslipidemia?

Untreated dyslipidemia results in plaque formation in the blood vessel, distracting the blood flow; it may lead to complications like

• Heart attack.

• Stroke.

• Coronary heart disease.

• Cardiac arrest.

• Peripheral heart disease.

• Microvascular disease.

What Are the Types of Dyslipidemia?

There are two types of dyslipidemia:

• Primary dyslipidemia - It is inherited.

• Secondary dyslipidemia - It is acquired due to obesity or diabetes.

There are three types of primary dyslipidemia; these are-

• Familial Combined Dyslipidemia:

This is the most common type, characterized by high LDL and triglycerides. The person may develop these problems in their teens and early 20s if they are affected by familial combined dyslipidemia and are at high risk of developing coronary heart disease.

• Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Polygenic Hypercholesterolemia:

High total cholesterol levels characterize both conditions. Total cholesterol level is calculated by adding both HDP and LDP and half the triglycerides. A total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg/dL is a better count.

• Familial Hyperapobetalipoproteinemia:

An increase in apolipoprotein B, a part of LDL cholesterol, causes this condition.

What Are the Symptoms of Dyslipidemia?

Usually, a high cholesterol level is not symptomatic, but when it is unnoticed, it results in coronary heart disease, which will be symptomatic. Coronary heart disease is associated with a high LDL level, which blocks the arteries in the heart, and peripheral artery disease, which is a blockage in the arteries of the legs.

What Are the Causes of Dyslipidemia?

Several behaviors can cause dyslipidemia, these include;

• Smoking.

• Excessive alcohol.

• Obesity.

• Sedentary lifestyle.

• Consumption of food containing high fat.

• Stressed.

• Inheritance of genes.

• Advancing age.

Medical Conditions That Increase Cholesterol Levels Are

• Type 2 diabetes.

• Hyperthyroidism.

• Chronic kidney disorder.

• Liver disease.

• Pancreatic disease.

• Lupus.

• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

• Sleep apnea.

• Primary biliary cholangitis.

Certain Medications Fluctuate the Cholesterol Level; They Are

• Beta-blockers.

• Diuretics.

• Hormonal birth control.

• Steroids.

• Antiretrovirals for HIV.

What Are the Risk Factors of Dyslipidemia?

The risk factors are

• Family history of high cholesterol.

• Hypothyroidism.

• Obesity.

• Not eating a healthy diet.

• Diabetes.

• Smoking.

How Is Dyslipidemia Diagnosed?

Various methods are included:

1. Physical exam.

2. Examine medical history.

3. Family medical history.

4. A blood test will reveal the count of HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. These may change every year, so it is recommended to have a regular blood test.

5. High sensitivity C-reactive protein test.

6. Lipoprotein.

7. Coronary calcium scan.

How Is Dyslipidemia Treated?

Dyslipidemia can be treated by:

1. Lifestyle changes.

2. Physical activity like exercising.

3. Cessation of smoking.

4. Control of stress level.

5. Consuming a healthy diet.

6. Reduce alcohol consumption.

7. Reduction of weight.

What Are the Medications Used to Treat Dyslipidemia?

Statins are medications that doctors usually recommend as they decrease the bad cholesterol circulating in the blood. Different medications are taken if

• The person can not take statins.

• Additional medications along with statins.

• If the person has familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic problem that causes an increase in the bad cholesterol in the blood.

What Is the Unani Concept of Dyslipidemia?

Many herbs and other drugs In the Unani concept have to be found to improve epithelium dysfunction, dyslipidemia, dysglycemia, and coagulation abnormalities. Safoof-e-Muhazzil (SM) is an Unani drug used to treat obesity. Every 5 grams contains five herbs:

• Tukhme badyan.

• One gram, Nankhwa.

• One gram, Zeera siyah.

• One gram, Sudan.

• One gram, Marzanjosh.

• 0.25 grams of Luc Magsool.

• 0.5 gram of Bura Armani.

The Unani drug SM is tested to be antilipidemic by physicians; the basis of the study is that SM will be effective against hyperlipidemia. The Unani scholars recommend the use of desiccant regimens along with lifestyle management.

What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Dyslipidemia?

Lifestyle management should primarily focus on a healthy diet that helps reduce dyslipidemia. The diet that should be avoided is less saturated fat, refined sugar, and consumption of alcohol. Including fruits, vegetables, grains, and less protein helps to deal with dyslipidemia.

How Can Dyslipidemia Be Prevented?

Things that prevent dyslipidemia are

1. Cessation of smoking.

2. Avoid a sedentary lifestyle.

3. By reducing stress levels.

4. Proper amount of sleep.

5. Healthy diet.

6. Avoid fatty food.

7. Maintain a healthy weight.

What Is to Be Done if Diagnosed With Dyslipidemia?

The person should follow healthy lifestyle habits. There should be regular appointments with doctors, and medications should be taken regularly. A regular blood test should be done frequently to check cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

Hyperlipidemia or dyslipidemia is an increase in blood fat or cholesterol level. These increases in the cholesterol level may increase the risk of heart disease. When the LDL and triglycerides increase, it leads to plaque formation of the arteries, which causes disturbance in the blood flow resulting in coronary heart disease. An increase in HDL helps in eliminating bad cholesterol like LDL and triglycerides. These can be treated by lifestyle changes, a healthy diet, and a few medications.