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Mixed Hyperlipidemia: Causes, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment, Outlook

What is Mixed Hyperlipidemia?

Mixed hyperlipidemia is a genetic disorder that can pass from parents to children. People with this condition have higher than average lipid levels which include cholesterol and triglycerides. This increases the risk of plaque build-up in the arteries thereby increasing the risk of cardiovascular events including heart attack and stroke(1).

Mixed Hyperlipidemia: Causes, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment

Mixed hyperlipidemia is estimated to occur in 1 in every 100 people(2).

Causes and Risk Factors of Mixed Hyperlipidemia

The exact cause of mixed hyperlipidemia is unknown. However, it is suspected to occur due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors(2).

Although it is an inherited disorder, a child has only a 50 percent of chances to suffer from this condition if a parent has it(3). If both parents have the condition the chances of the child suffering from coronary artery disease early in life, increase.

How is Mixed Hyperlipidemia Diagnosed?

Hyperlipidemia is suspected if the cholesterol levels show higher than normal levels in the blood test. The family history of a person is enquired about.

The lipid panel is ordered to look for high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels.

It is recommended by the American Heart Association that an adult over 20 years should undergo blood cholesterol testing every 4-6 years(1). Those with other risk factors should get tested more frequently.

It is difficult to diagnose mixed hyperlipidemia in children, as there is a lack of long-term data.  Research shows that an elevation of hyperapolipoprotein B, which is a specific type of LDL in children is a good marker to diagnose hyperlipidemia later in life(2).

Treatment for Mixed Hyperlipidemia

Currently, there is no treatment for mixed hyperlipidemia. The focus of the treatment is to prevent or reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The choice of treatment depends on the following factors, including:

  • Person’s age
  • The severity of lipid levels
  • Presence of other health conditions

Sometimes lifestyle changes are recommended by the doctor as the first line of treatment for mixed hyperlipidemia. These changes include(4):

If lifestyle modification is not effective, medications to lower the lipid level are recommended.

Outlook for People with Mixed Hyperlipidemia

There are numerous factors that can affect the outlook of people with mixed hyperlipidemia. These are:

  • A person’s age
  • How the treatment plan is followed
  • How the cholesterol level respond to the treatment

The success rate of the treatment increase if the person follows the plan of treatment for mixed hyperlipidemia  as closely as possible. Ensuring the lifestyle changes are followed well, helps in getting a good outcome.

 Mixed hyperlipidemia is a congenital disorder and occurs due to high levels of cholesterol and fat in the body. Treatment is important to avoid the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Also Read:

Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:September 26, 2022

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