A condition that affects every 1 out of 100 people, mixed hyperlipidemia or familial combined hyperlipidemia is a genetic disorder that can be passed through generations. Experts specializing in cardiac surgery in Pune suggest that being diagnosed with the condition can put you at an elevated risk of having an early heart attack or stroke as it is marked by an abnormally high presence of lipids, i.e. cholesterol and fats, in the body. Not only this, mixed hyperlipidemia can increase your chances of developing cardiovascular disease, as well as spike the mortality linked with the same. It is also a risk factor for other metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.

The condition is caused by a mutation in chromosome 19 and you can get it from either of your parents. In fact, it happens to be named on the list of the most common inherited lipid disorders.

Want to know more about mixed hyperlipidemia? If your answer is 'Yes', continue reading this blog as we have elaborated on the topic in detail with the help of the best cardiac surgeons in Thane.

Let's start with the most basic question, i.e. what is mixed hyperlipidemia?

Hyperlipidemia is an umbrella term used for a variety of disorders that are characterized by a high build-up of lipids in the body. So, if you have hyperlipidemia, you are likely to have the following:

• High triglyceride levels
• High LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels
• High VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) levels

Not only this, but your HDL (high-density lipoprotein) levels are also likely to go down and that is not good at all. HDL plays a very important role in removing excess lipids from the blood vessels and a decrease in its levels can make it difficult to get rid of the same. TGs, LDL and VLDL accumulation support the build-up of plaque in the blood vessels, which had been linked with a variety of cardiovascular ailments.

What causes mixed hyperlipidemia?

Unfortunately, the exact cause of mixed hyperlipidemia cannot be pinpointed, however, experts suggest that it could be linked to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. The top cardiologist in Pune suggests that Lifestyle choices may also play a vital role in it.

Although it is an inherited disorder, this does not necessarily mean that the condition is always passed down from the parents to the child. You will be surprised to know that if a person has mixed hyperlipidemia, there is only a 50% chance of his/her child developing the same. In case both your parents have been diagnosed with the condition, the risks of you developing the same naturally increase.

Wondering if you have mixed hyperlipidemia?

After reading this blog, a lot of you must be wondering if you have the condition too. Well, this can only be determined with a proper blood test that helps to access the lipid levels of a person. Many people suffering from the condition do not experience any symptoms during the initial stage, however as the condition progresses, the patient can develop atherosclerosis, which can give rise to symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, cramps in lower limbs, discomfort in either or both shoulders or even unconsciousness.

One of the best possible ways to get diagnosed is by going for regular preventive health checks. This will help to detect the problem early, thereby making it possible to manage the same more effectively.

Can mixed hyperlipidemia be managed at home?

By now you must have understood that mixed hyperlipidemia can elevate the risks of cardiovascular diseases, so, the best that you can do is to work towards lowering the risks of the same. This can be done by making some healthy changes in your lifestyle that can help to bring down your cholesterol levels. Here are a few tips recommended by the top cardiologists in Pune that you may find useful.

• Focused on eating a healthy and balanced diet which provides you with all the essential nutrients.
• Try to eliminate saturated fats from your meals
• Add more physical activities to your routine and avoid a sedentary lifestyle
• While preparing your meals make sure you are adding enough fibre in the form of green vegetables
• Reference from smoking and limit your alcohol intake
• Make sure that your body mass index is in the healthy range and avoid putting on extra weight
   

Going for regular preventive health checkups and staying in touch with your doctor will also prove to be beneficial for you in the long run. If you wish to consult an expert in the field you can find the best cardiac surgeons in Thane.