Hyperlipidaemia

Lipoproteins are lipids packaged with proteins, therefore allowing it to be transported around the body. There are 4 types of these:

Hyperlipidaemia is classified into:

• Inherited - Familial Hypercholesterolaemia

• Secondary - DM, Hypothyroidism, Nephrotic syndrome, Drugs

Investigations:

• Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and TGs

• Exclude secondary causes - HbA1c, TFT, U&E, LFT

N.B. A total cholesterol > 7.5 mmol/L should make you consider familial hypercholesterolaemia.

All patients suspected of this should have a QRISK score (10% risk of a CVE) carried out, and the result given determines what is done:

• < 10% - Lifestyle changes

• > 10% - Give Statin

1st line statin given is Atorvastatin. Important to remember that it has a common side-effect of muscle aches.

N.B. Simvastatin is another option but is a lot less effective that atorvastatin, therefore higher doses would be needed.