Lipid Disorders

Our blood stream consists of proteins and cholesterol that join together to form fats that are known as lipids or lipoproteins. There are various types of cholesterol, depending on the type of protein that are joined to it:

• LDL (low density lipoprotein) known as ‘bad’ cholesterol and is a problem if the level is higher than normal
  

• VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) known as triglycerides and is also a problem if the level is higher than normal
  

• HDL (high density lipoprotein) known as ‘good’ cholesterol

You may have a lipid disorder if your LDL or VLDL levels are very high. These levels will indicate that you have high blood cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol can lead to chest pain, heart attack or stroke, which is why it so important to manage and keep your cholesterol at normal levels. 

Too low cholesterol can also cause problems and increase your risk of:

• Cancer
  

• Depression​
  

• Anxiety
  

• Preterm birth and low birth weight if your cholesterol is low while you are pregnant​

When to seek expert advice

If you have any of the following risk factors, you may consult with a doctor at the Section of Internal Medicine.

• Cigarette smoking
  

• Overweight
  

• Large waist circumference
  

• Unhealthy diet
  

• Irregular or absence of exercise
  

• Diabetes
  

You can also consult a doctor at the Department of Family Medicine for an annual health check and at this time, your doctor should ask for a routine cholesterol test.