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:
| 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
| 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.