What it is
Dyslipidaemias are disorders characterised by elevated levels of cholesterol and/or triglycerides in the blood, and they are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Symptoms
They usually present no symptoms and are detected through blood tests.
Nutritional management
- Reduced consumption of foods rich in saturated fats and trans fatty acids
- Increased consumption of foods rich in dietary fibre
- Increased consumption of foods rich in plant sterols and stanols
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Increased physical activity from moderate to high intensity (>60 minutes per day)
- Limiting sedentary activities to fewer than 2 hours per day
- Smoking cessation
When to consult a dietitian-nutritionist
- People with elevated total cholesterol, LDL or triglycerides, or reduced HDL
- People diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolaemia or other inherited dyslipidaemias
- People at increased cardiovascular risk, including those with hypertension, diabetes or obesity
- People who need personalised nutritional support to optimise their lipid profile
- People who need education on choosing foods low in saturated and trans fats, simple sugars and processed products
- People aiming for body-weight management and increased physical activity as a complementary way to regulate lipid levels