‘Vascular Danger Warning’ Dyslipidemia... Neglect Can Lead to Severe Diseases

Due to Aging, Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases Continue to Rise
Hypercholesterolemia: A Major Cause of Myocardial Infarction and Stroke
Improved Diet and Exercise Help Boost 'Good Cholesterol'

With rapid aging, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and stroke (ischemic stroke and cerebral hemorrhage) are steadily increasing.

These diseases are severe conditions that can lead to death if not properly treated.

In this regard, the importance of prevention and vascular management of dyslipidemia, a major cause of these diseases, is growing. Dyslipidemia refers to a condition where lipid levels in the blood are outside the normal range. Dyslipidemia is considered one of the three major chronic diseases among Koreans, along with diabetes and hypertension.

Types of dyslipidemia include hypercholesterolemia, low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and hypertriglyceridemia. Statistics show that 2 out of 5 adults in Korea have dyslipidemia. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia has significantly increased from 11.9% in 2012 to 22.0% in 2022.

Dr. Kim Sang-gon, a cardiologist at Centum General Hospital, explains atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.

Chief Kim Sang-gon of the Cardiology Department at Centum General Hospital is explaining atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. Provided by Centum General Hospital

▲The Risks of Hypercholesterolemia

Dyslipidemia is often called a "silent time bomb" because it does not show specific symptoms. This disease can progress and cause myocardial infarction, angina, stroke, and other serious conditions.

Dr. Kim Sang-gon, a cardiologist at Centum General Hospital, explains as follows:

"In hypercholesterolemia, the blood LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol level is high, causing cholesterol to deposit on the inner walls of arteries, which is a major cause of atherosclerosis. This can lead to angina, where the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart narrow; myocardial infarction, caused by sudden blockage of the coronary arteries; and ischemic stroke, caused by blockage of blood vessels supplying the brain, all of which are fatal diseases."

Mr. A, a male office worker in his 50s, was diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia during annual health checkups but did not take it seriously due to lack of symptoms. About three years later, he visited the hospital with chest pain and difficulty breathing, was diagnosed with myocardial infarction, and ultimately underwent a procedure to insert a stent in his blood vessels.

Progression Stages of Atherosclerosis

The top photo shows a normal blood vessel. The second shows a blood vessel narrowed by fat deposits inside the vessel. The third shows further narrowing and rupture of the vessel wall, with thrombus (blood clot) formation.

▲Misconceptions and Facts about Dyslipidemia

The following is a Q&A with Dr. Kim Sang-gon, a cardiologist at Centum General Hospital.

Is it okay if blood lipid levels are high but there are no symptoms?

"Dyslipidemia has no specific symptoms, so diagnosis is often missed or overlooked. It is a major cause of serious diseases such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke."

Is cholesterol always bad?

"Cholesterol is an essential component for forming cell membranes and synthesizing hormones in the body. However, excessive levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol in the blood are harmful to health. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol is known as 'good cholesterol' and plays a protective role for blood vessels."

Is it okay if you are thin or have a slim body type?

"Hypercholesterolemia is related to obesity, but it can also occur in thin individuals due to genetic factors, poor diet, lack of exercise, and other reasons."

Is drug treatment dangerous and must be taken for life?

"Medications for dyslipidemia effectively reduce LDL cholesterol levels and lower the risk of vascular diseases. Side effects are very rare, and with proper management, these medications are safe to use."

Can exercise or dieting alone solve the problem?

"Exercise helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and increase good cholesterol, but without dietary improvements and medication, the effects may be limited."

▲Active Use of Drug Therapy Needed

Treatment for dyslipidemia can involve appropriate use of lipid-lowering agents such as statins and ezetimibe, depending on the type. Research shows that patients taking lipid-lowering drugs have a reduced incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. If a patient already has diabetes or hypertension, more careful management of blood lipid levels is necessary. Studies show that 87% of diabetic patients and 72% of hypertensive patients have dyslipidemia. If left untreated, vascular damage can accelerate, increasing mortality from complications.

▲Prevention and Management Methods

It is important to reduce intake of saturated and trans fats and consume foods rich in dietary fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, etc.). Also, regular aerobic exercise 3 to 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes can increase good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol).

Adults should have blood tests at least once every five years, and especially those over 40 should check cholesterol levels annually to manage vascular health.

Dr. Kim Sang-gon of Centum General Hospital emphasized, "Managing your cholesterol is the first step to protecting your vascular health. Dyslipidemia can be sufficiently prevented and managed through regular checkups, lifestyle improvements, and medication when necessary."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.