Family medicine
High cholesterol
Blood lipid disorders—cardiovascular prevention with lifestyle and risk-based therapy.
What it is
Blood lipids include LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides. Elevated LDL and other patterns raise atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk over decades. The Health Canada cardiovascular disease overview emphasizes prevention.
Risk assessment combines age, sex, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, family history, and sometimes coronary calcium scoring in selected cases.
Treatment is individualized—statins are first-line for many high-risk patients per guideline-based care.
Symptoms
- Souvent aucun symptôme
- Xanthomes tendineux ou cornéens (hypercholestérolémie familiale)
- Triglycérides très élevés : pancréatite possible
- Complications tardives : angine, AVC, claudication
Common causes
Génétique (familial hypercholesterolemia), alimentation, hypothyroïdie, diabète mal contrôlé, insuffisance rénale, grossesse, médicaments (corticothérapie, antirétroviraux).
Les triglycérides augmentent avec l’alcool et le sucre raffiné.
When to see a doctor
Dépistage selon l’âge et les facteurs de risque. Consultation si douleur thoracique, déficits neurologiques, ou douleur de jambe à la marche—évaluation urgente.
How we can help
Nous calculons le risque, optimisons nutrition (fibres, oméga-3 alimentaires, réduction des gras trans), activité physique, et contrôle glycémique. Les statines sont introduites selon le risque ; ezétimibe, PCSK9 ou autres options si objectifs non atteints ou intolérance.
Nous surveillons enzymes musculaires et foie au besoin et discutons des effets indésirables réels vs craintes.
Related topics
Frequently asked questions
Muscle aches occur in a minority; serious muscle injury is rare. We review interactions (grapefruit with some statins) and monitor labs. Benefits usually outweigh risks for secondary prevention and many primary prevention scenarios.
Fasting is often preferred for triglycerides; non-fasting tests may be acceptable for routine monitoring in some contexts—your lab will advise.
Dietary cholesterol has a smaller effect than saturated/trans fats for many people. A balanced pattern—whole foods, fiber, fish, vegetables—matters most.
It is a genetic condition causing very high LDL from birth. Family screening and early treatment reduce heart attack risk—referral to lipid specialists may be needed.