What Is Atherogenic Dyslipidemia?

Atherogenic dyslipidemia is a condition characterized by low levels of good cholesterol and high levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides. It represents abnormal levels of lipids in our body. It is a marker of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. Its causes are abnormal abdominal fat, overweight, no exercise, unhealthy lifestyle and unhealthy eating patterns along with excessive stress and disturbed sleep pattern. It is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and myocardial infarction. Lifestyle modification, low carbohydrate diet, regular exercises, and others can be useful to manage atherogenic dyslipidemia.^[1]

Atherogenic dyslipidemia is one of the metabolic disorders marked by abnormal levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It is represented by high triglyceride levels, low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL, good cholesterol) and high levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL, bad cholesterol). These lipoproteins and triglycerides are derivatives of lipids in our body. It is found in high levels in persons who have coronary heart disease. It is more commonly seen in obese person or person who has abnormal belly fat. It is closely linked with cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that increases the possibility of having heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. It is a cluster of risk factors characterized by elevated glucose level in fasting, high blood pressure, increased waist circumference, which raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases.^[2] This syndrome is also given the name such as insulin resistance syndrome, syndrome X and dysmetabolic syndrome. It is called insulin resistance syndrome because the body is unable to use insulin to reduce the levels of glucose and triglyceride. This syndrome damages the blood vessels and can cause life-threatening consequences.^[3]

A large waistline or overweight is its main cause. An aggressive lifestyle which includes overeating, eating at the odd time, improper sleep pattern, sedentary life, eating food high in fat and sugar, and lack of exercise can contribute to atherogenic dyslipidemia. Insulin resistance can also lead to this condition. Insulin resistance can be genetic or acquired, which affects the ability of the body to use insulin in order to metabolize fat and glucose. This results in deposition of glucose and fat in the blood. It contributes to obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome.

Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes can cause inflammation and blood clotting problems in the body. This can cause cardiovascular disease.^[4]

Risk factors of atherogenic dyslipidemia are-

• coronary heart disease
• Obesity
• African, American, Asian race
• Chronic alcoholism
• insulin resistance^[5]

Atherogenic dyslipidemia can be managed by following points-

• Losing considerable body weight can bring back the levels of lipoproteins to healthy levels.
• Avoidance of high carbohydrate diet, sugary and processed food are beneficial for this condition.
• One should replace the above food items with more and more fibrous food to impact the unhealthy levels of lipids in the body.
• Regular exercises 4-5 times a week can regulate the lipid levels.
• High-intensity aerobic exercises especially walking, jogging, swimming, and bicycling are best options for this.
• Trans-fats and saturated fats should be completely removed from our diet.
• Introduction of omega-3 fatty acids in our diet can improve the condition. Fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, and mackerel, etc. and dry fruits are best sources of omega- 3 fatty acids.
• Alcohol intake should be reduced to get more improvement in the condition.
• Regular meal and sleep pattern promote healthy levels of lipids and its derivatives in our body.^[6]

Atherogenic dyslipidemia represents abnormal metabolism of lipids in our body. It is characterized by elevated levels of triglycerides and LDL and low levels of HDL in the blood. It is related to obesity, heart diseases, metabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance. Modification of an unhealthy lifestyle, eating and sleep pattern can prevent this condition.

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