Kelly.oconnor: Created

2025-05-08T02:25:58Z

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== What Does It Mean? ==

* Hyperlipidemia, also referred to as high cholesterol, is a condition characterized by elevated levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides.
* It is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke.
* Functional medicine approaches this dysfunction by identifying the root causes, which may include poor dietary habits, metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and genetic predisposition.

== How Did We Get Here? ==

=== Root Causes & Contributing Factors: ===

* Dietary Factors: High intake of saturated fats, trans fats, and refined sugars.
* Inflammation: Chronic systemic inflammation contributes to dyslipidemia.
* Metabolic Dysfunction: Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome often lead to lipid imbalances.
* Liver Function Impairment: The liver plays a key role in lipid metabolism and cholesterol synthesis.
* Genetic Predisposition: Familial hyperlipidemia or genetic polymorphisms affecting lipid metabolism.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Often asymptomatic until complications arise.
* Xanthomas (fatty deposits under the skin)
* Xanthelasma (fatty deposits around the eyelids)
* Corneal arcus (white or grayish ring around the cornea in younger patients)
* Increased risk of cardiovascular events (chest pain, shortness of breath, high blood pressure)

=== Lab Test Findings ===
The following lab tests are typically ordered to confirm hyperlipidemia and assess cardiovascular risk:
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test Name'''
|'''Expected Changes'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|Cholesterol, Serum
|Increased
|180.00-220.00 mg/dL
|-
|Triglycerides
|Increased
|70.00-80.00 mg/dL
|-
|LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
|Increased
|80.00-99.99 mg/dL
|-
|HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
|Decreased
|55.00-93.00 mg/dL
|-
|Arachidonic Acid: EPA Ratio
|Increased
|3.7-40.7
|-
|Arachidonic Acid (AA)
|Increased
|8.6-15.6 µg/mL
|-
|Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
|Decreased
|1.2-3.9 µg/mL
|-
|Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA)
|Decreased
|0.8-1.8 µg/mL
|-
|Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
|Decreased or Normal
|0.2-2.3 µg/mL
|-
|Fat
|Increased
|None
|-
|Linoleic Acid
|Increased
|18.6-29.5 µg/mL
|-
|Omega-6: Omega-3 Ratio
|Increased
|3.7-14.4
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==
Treatment is aimed at addressing the root causes and optimizing lipid metabolism through dietary, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation strategies.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Novo Hepatic
|Supports liver detoxification and lipid metabolism
|1 capsule without food, twice daily
|-
|CoQ-10 300 mg
|Enhances mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress
|3 capsules with food, twice daily
|-
|V-Inflamma
|Anti-inflammatory, supports vascular health
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Levo Plasmin
|Supports normal blood flow, prevents plaque formation
|1 capsule without food, twice daily
|-
|Vita Trim
|Help reduce appetite, manage weight, and support healthy blood sugar levels
|2 capsules without food, daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions:: ===

* Dietary Adjustments: Increase fiber intake, incorporate omega-3-rich foods, reduce trans fats and refined carbohydrates.
* Exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly.
* Liver Support: Promote liver detoxification pathways with phytonutrients and targeted supplements.
* Inflammation Reduction: Avoid inflammatory foods, incorporate anti-inflammatory nutrients such as turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids.

Hyperlipidemia - Unspecified - Revision history

Kelly.oconnor: Created