What problems does hyperlipidaemia cause?
The most common problem is accelerated arterial disease. Patients with severe, untreated hyperlipidaemia are at higher risk of heart attacks at an early age. Less severe forms will accelerate the development of occlusive arterial disease and will aggravate other risk factors such as smoking, and diabetes. 4. How is hyperlipidaemia diagnosed? Hyperlipidaemia itself doesn’t usually cause any symptoms so it can go unnoticed for many years. It often runs in families so anyone with a family history of arterial disease, heart attack or stroke at an early age (e.g. 30’s and 40’s) are more likely to have the condition. The diagnosis is confirmed by a blood test, and kits are now available from the chemist to do this test at home. For a definitive test a sample of blood should be sent to a laboratory. Even if you don’t have a family history, it is worth having your cholesterol checked every 5 years or so. 5. How is hyperlipidaemia treated? In mild cases a permanent change of diet may be all tha
