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HYPERLIPIDEMIA - WHAT CAN WE DO?

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by Tipu Sultan, MD

Having Hyperlipidemia means one has excessive amounts of fats in the blood. It is these fats, combined with scar tissue and other deposits, that form plaque. This plaque causes atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries.

The main component of blood is water. But we also have fats or lipids, which can be beneficial or detrimental. Lipids are carried through the blood vessels by protein substances called Lipoproteins. Our bodies do need some lipids to aid in regulating body functions and to produce energy or to store for future use.

The LDL (low density lipoprotein) and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) carry cholesterol and triglycerides to the tissues in the body. The HDL, or high density lipoprotein, removes excess fats for the body tissues, and carry them away for excretion.

So our objective should be to have low levels of LDL and VLDL and high amounts of HDL - the ratio really is important, so much so that most labs will report it as such. It is felt that by having this information, a patient can be forewarned of the increased possibility of heart or artery disease.

The usual first line of treatment for Hyperlipidemia is a life sentence of cholesterol-lowering drugs like Pravachol, Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, etc. These interfere with cholesterol synthesis. Cholesterol is not all bad. Cholesterol is essential for many body functions including hormonal production of cortisone, and female and male hormones. Moreover, these drugs can damage liver and muscles. This is why you need to have blood tests regularly if you are on cholesterol-lowering drugs. Cholesterol is essential for normal brain function. These drugs lead to depression which may result in suicide. While it is true that these drugs reduce heart attacks, their use seems to be outweighed by the increased incidence of suicide. Why not reduce cholesterol naturally.

Dietary controls will help reduce the cholesterol levels and proper supplements can increase HDL levels improving the overall ratios.

Many studies have shown that dietary control can make a difference in total cholesterol levels. The following dietary changes can be cholesterol-lowering:

  • Decrease saturated fats (e.g., animal fats, lard, red meats, palm oil, many cheeses).

  • Increase complex carbohydrates, especially if they are high in fiber (e.g., legumes, lentils, rice).

  • Avoid refined sugars (e.g., candy, cakes, cookies, soda, pie).

  • Use fruit for snacks and desserts (3 servings/week).

  • Limit red meat to no more than 3 times weekly in 4 oz. portions.

  • Reduce dairy products.

  • Use cold-pressed oils (e.g., olive oil, safflower oil).

  • Avoid deep-fried foods.

  • Use more natural, unprocessed foods.

  • Limit alcohol intake.

  • Limit eggs to 3 times/week.

  • Increase white meat (e.g., chicken, turkey, fish).

  • Reduce salt intake.

  • Exercise regularly, at least 3 times/week for 20 minutes.

  • Nutritional supplementation on the recommendation of a knowledgeable practitioner.

  • Regular monitoring by your physician.

    The treatment of Hyperlipidemia means a commitment by you. If your total cholesterol is 200 or more, it is important to have a medical evaluation to explore causative factors and initiate treatment and to continuously evaluate progress.

    Controlling Hyperlipidemia without the use of expensive and potentially dangerous drugs is only one of the many conditions Tipu Sultan, MD, treats in his office. Dr. Sultan's primary goal in treating his patients is to "First, Do No Harm".