HYPERLIPIDEMIA, TYPES I, II, III, IV, V (Hyperlipoproteinemia)
HYPERLIPIDEMIA, TYPES I, II, III, IV, V
DESCRIPTIONHyperlipidemia means above-normal levels of fat in the blood. The blood and arteries are involved. Different types of hyperlipidemia appear at different ages.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care after diagnosis.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
Surgery to remove fat deposits in the skin and tendons.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMSYellowish nodules of fat in the skin beneath eyes, elbows, and knees, and in tendons.
Enlarged spleen and liver (some types).
Whitish ring around the eye pupil (some types).
The blood contains a variety of fats (lipids) joined to blood proteins, forming lipoproteins. These include cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). They provide energy and are "building blocks" for some tissues and hormones. In excess, they filter out and are deposited in blood vessels, tendons, and other tissues, where they cause symptoms and disease.
RISK FACTORSImproper diet that is high in fat and cholesterol.
Family history of hyperlipidemia.
Use of oral contraceptives or estrogen.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCE
Your child should eat a diet that is low in fat. See Appendix 28.
If your child has diabetes, adhere closely to the treatment program.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory blood studies to measure blood lipids.
Radionuclide Scan: A nuclear medicine procedure that uses radioactive isotopes injected into a patient. The isotope tracers are absorbed in various concentrations by targeted organs, which are then photographed (See Glossary).
Usually curable with lifelong dietary control and medication.
HOME CARESee Appendix 19 for suggestions to reduce stress and improve the health of your child. Stress increases the risk of heart disease, a major complication of hyperlipidemia.
MEDICATIONYour doctor may prescribe:
-- Medications to control blood lipids, such as niacin, clofibrate, or cholestyramine.
-- Medications to treat underlying diseases, such as diabetes or thyroid conditions.
Advise your daughter not to take oral contraceptives, but use other forms of birth control instead.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
No restrictions unless the child's tendons are weakened by fat deposits.
DIET & FLUIDSUrge your child to eat a diet that is low in fat. See Appendix 28.
Encourage your child to lose weight if overweight. See Appendix 31 for a reducing diet.
Advise your child not to drink alcohol.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?When appetite has returned and alertness, strength, and feeling of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms or there is a family history of hyperlipidemia.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.