Fat metabolism disorders (dyslipidemia)

Fat metabolism disorders (dyslipoproteinemia or lipid metabolism disorders) are often due to a hereditary metabolic defect and are more common in families.

However, lifestyle also has a strong influence. An unbalanced diet, lack of exercise and obesity significantly increase the risk.

The diagnosis is relatively simple: the doctor takes a blood sample and determines the values for total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

The cholesterol and triglyceride values in particular provide indications of lipid metabolism disorders.

Cholesterol and triglycerides are hydrophobic, i.e. they are not soluble in water. Therefore, they cannot dissolve directly in the blood.

In order to be transportable and to supply the body with energy, these fats bind to proteins. This creates lipoproteins (fatty acids), which can be distributed in the blood.

Patients with a lipid metabolism disorder usually have excessive fat concentrations in their blood. These patients often suffer from arteriosclerosis at an early stage, which significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The likelihood of developing peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD) is also significantly increased.

In addition to LDL cholesterol, another lipoprotein is becoming increasingly important: lipoprotein(a), often abbreviated as "Lp(a)".

It is structurally similar to LDL cholesterol. Lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for the development of arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

In addition, lipoprotein(a) can exacerbate the risk posed by LDL cholesterol.

Primary lipid metabolism disorder

A large proportion of lipid metabolism disorders are genetic. These cases are referred to as primary lipid metabolism disorders. There are five different types of this so-called hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP), which differ in severity and distribution of symptoms.

Secondary lipid metabolism disorder

Secondary lipid metabolism disorders are triggered and/or promoted by lifestyle or previous illnesses. Possible causes are

• Alcohol overconsumption
• Diabetes mellitus (sugar disease)
• Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
• Liver diseases
• Adiposity (obesity)
• Metabolic syndrome (combination of obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance and lipid metabolism disorders)
• Anorexia nervosa (anorexia nervosa)
• Nephrotic syndrome (diseases of the renal corpuscles)

Blood lipids can be lowered through a targeted change in diet and more exercise.

A plant-based diet, especially one rich in vegetables, is particularly helpful for lipometabolic disorders. Dietary fiber and phytochemicals have a cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory effect.

Medication can support the therapy. There are various drugs for lowering LDL cholesterol levels: some inhibit the body's own cholesterol production, others inhibit the absorption of cholesterol from food.

INUSpheresis^® can filter elevated blood lipids, in particular LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a), from the blood.

In cases of severe hypercholesterolemia, it removes LDL cholesterol to prevent severe arteriosclerosis. In cases of mild hypercholesterolemia and secondary lipometabolic disorders, INUSpheresis^® provides support in addition to dietary changes and medication.

Results show a reduction of LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) by more than 60%, which slows down the progression of coronary heart disease.

In summary, the treatment of lipid metabolism disorders is an important component in the prevention of cardiovascular events such as strokes or heart attacks.