Lipid disorders

Lipid disorders occur when cholesterol or triglyceride levels are higher or lower than they should be, often without causing noticeable symptoms. At AssociatesMD, with locations in Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Weston, Margate, Dania Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the experienced healthcare professionals can help. Schedule an appointment today by phone or online to assess your heart health and discuss personalized treatment options.

What are lipid disorders?

Lipid disorders are conditions that affect the levels of fats, or lipids, in your blood. These fats include cholesterol and triglycerides, which your body needs for certain functions. However, when these levels become too high or too low, they can increase your risk of health problems. 

One of the most common lipid disorders is high cholesterol, particularly elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called bad cholesterol.

How do lipid disorders affect your health?

When excess cholesterol and other lipids circulate in your bloodstream, they can gradually build up inside your arteries. Over time, this buildup can narrow and harden your arteries, reducing healthy blood flow throughout your body.

Lipid disorders may increase your risk of:

• Heart disease
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Peripheral artery disease
• High blood pressure

These conditions can develop slowly over many years, making early detection important.

What causes high cholesterol and other lipid disorders?

Several factors can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In some cases, genetics plays a role, meaning lipid disorders can run in families. Lifestyle habits and certain medical conditions can also affect your lipid levels.

Common causes include:

• A diet high in saturated and trans fats
• Lack of regular physical activity
• Excess weight or obesity
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Family history of high cholesterol

Often, a combination of factors contributes to the development of a lipid disorder.

What are the symptoms of lipid disorders?

One of the challenges of lipid disorders is that they usually don’t cause noticeable symptoms. You may feel completely healthy while your cholesterol or triglyceride levels remain elevated.

In many cases, lipid disorders are only discovered through routine blood work or after complications such as heart disease or a stroke. That’s why regular wellness visits and preventive screenings are so important.

How are lipid disorders diagnosed and treated?

The AssociatesMD medical team can diagnose a lipid disorder with a simple blood test called a lipid panel. The test measures your total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Treatment may include lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking. Some people may also benefit from prescription medications to help manage cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.

If you’re ready to take charge of your heart health, schedule an appointment with the experienced team at AssociatesMD. Call or book online today.