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Cardiovascular Disease & Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia: Basics
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Risk Factors of Hyperlipidemia and How to Prevent

Jonina Balabis
June 1, 2021
September 9, 2024
2

Hyperlipidemia is when there is an excess of lipids (fats) in the blood. This increases the risk of serious health outcomes including heart disease. Luckily, you have the power to take the necessary steps each day to manage or prevent this condition! In this article, we will discuss the risk factors of hyperlipidemia and how to prevent or manage it.

By knowing the risk factors associated with hyperlipidemia, you are one step closer to living a healthy life. Risk factors for hyperlipidemia include:

  • Inactivity
  • Smoking
  • A diet high in saturated fat
  • Family history of high cholesterol
  • Certain medications

Even though we cannot control certain risk factors such as family history of high cholesterol, there are many things we can control. If you know you may have a high risk of hyperlipidemia, follow the table below and see what adjustments you can make that may reduce the risk.

Risk Factors I Can Control

How I Can Prevent/Control It

Inactivity

  • Increase your movement by doing physical activities you enjoy
  • Find small ways to move more (i.e. taking the stairs, parking farther away from a store entrance, walking around while talking on the phone, etc.)

A diet high in saturated and trans fat 

  • Limit your intake of saturated fat (animal products, coconut oil, and processed foods) 
  • Eat more polyunsaturated fats (nuts, seeds, fish, safflower oil)

Smoking

  • Quit smoking by cutting down at a gradual pace
  • Follow these methods to cutting down on smoking

Too much alcohol 

  • Avoid or cut back on drinking alcohol
  • Follow these tips for cutting back on alcohol consumption

To sum up, you CAN control your risk of developing hyperlipidemia. Small changes in your daily life can go a long way. Remember that living a healthy life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. You have the power to improve your health!

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