Main symptoms
- •Asymptomatic (detected on routine blood tests)
- •Xanthomas (skin fatty deposits) in severe forms
- •Chest pain in case of cardiovascular complication
Risk factors
- ⚠️ Diet high in saturated fats
- ⚠️ Abdominal obesity
- ⚠️ Sedentary lifestyle
- ⚠️ Smoking
- ⚠️ Family history
- ⚠️ Diabetes
- ⚠️ Hypothyroidism
Management and treatments
Lifestyle measures first: Mediterranean diet, limit saturated fats, physical activity. Statins if LDL remains high (rosuvastatin, atorvastatin) — 100-300 MAD/month. Lipid panel follow-up every 3-6 months.
Prevention
Mediterranean diet (olive oil, fatty fish, fruits, vegetables, legumes), limit fried foods and pastries, regular physical activity, smoking cessation.
Frequently asked questions
What is normal cholesterol?+
LDL < 1.60 g/L (no-risk subject). For at-risk patients: < 1 g/L or even < 0.70 g/L. HDL > 0.40 g/L. Triglycerides < 1.50 g/L.
How often should I get a lipid panel?+
Every 5 years after age 40 if normal. Every 6-12 months if treated.
Are eggs bad for cholesterol?+
No — recent science has cleared eggs. 1-2 eggs a day are not a problem for most people.