Hyperlipidemia is having abnormally high blood levels of fats such as lipoproteins, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. This could be due to hereditary or intake factors. One in five women under 44 have this condition. About half of women over 65 have this problem. Women who have this condition are prone to heart attacks and 500,000 women die every year in the US due to to heart attacks.
Heart attacks are the leading cause of death of women in the US. It is known that 38% of women die within a year after a heart attack. Smoking, high blood pressure, overweight,diabetes, family history are among risk factors. Related diseases are atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, metabolic syndrome,carotid artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm,peripheral artery disease and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Primary intervention has to do with lifestyle factors of diet and activity. Cholesterol intake in the daily diet should be less than 200 milligrams. Saturated fat intake should be no more than 7% of daily calories.
Weight loss and increased physical activity are most important. 30 grams of soluble fiber intake daily is recommended. Transfats should be avoided. Flaxseed can help lower LDL and total cholesterol. Oats, oat bran, red yeast,sitosterol and sitostanol are natural forms that can lower LDL cholesterol. Monounsaturated fats such as olive oil are beneficial and should be increased. Dietary and medical consultation should be arranged.