Lipid metabolism disorder: information & specialists for lipid metabolism

Leading Medicine Guide Editors
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Leading Medicine Guide Editors

Fats are vital for the human organism and fulfill important metabolic functions, such as transporting proteins. However, excessive blood lipid levels can cause serious health problems. If left untreated, hyperlipoproteinemia, as doctors call a lipid metabolism disorder, can lead to serious illnesses that can be life-threatening.here you will find further information and selected specialists for lipid metabolism disorders.

ICD codes for this diseases: E78

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Article overview

Lipid metabolism disorder: definition

Fats are normally transported by the blood and provide the body with energy. As a component of lipoproteins, they also fulfill a wide range of other tasks.

Doctors speak of a lipid metabolism disorder when the fat content in the blood is consistently higher than normal. The body is then unable to fully incorporate the fats into the metabolism and maintain a normal fat balance.

Undissolved fats often form deposits in the vessel walls as lipoproteins(arteriosclerosis). In the long term, this leads to damage to the blood vessels and can have serious consequences.

Damage limitation is then often the only option. Constricted blood vessels can cause life-threatening illnesses such as heart attacks and strokes and often cause a wide range of discomfort for those affected.

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Symptoms of lipometabolic disorders

Metabolic disorders can cause sensory irritation in the limbs, for example tingling or even numbness. These sensory irritations are the result of circulatory problems caused by constricted blood vessels. If you experience tingling or even numbness

  • in the tips of the fingers or feet,
  • in the extremities or
  • under the skin

you should therefore consult a doctor immediately.

High blood lipid levels are also indicated by changes in the texture of the skin. These can be, for example, orange-colored lumps on

  • back,
  • chest,
  • arms or
  • in the buttocks area

area. Yellowish-white rings in the eyes are also a symptom of high blood lipid levels.

Types of lipometabolic disorders

A distinction is made between primary and secondary lipid metabolism disorders.

Primary lipid metabolism disorders develop autonomously, for example due to a genetic predisposition or an unhealthy lifestyle.

Secondary variants occur as a result of a pre-existing condition, including

If a pre-existing condition is responsible for the development of a lipid metabolism disorder, the disorder usually disappears with the correct treatment of the disease causing it.

Primary lipid metabolism disorders are classified as follows:

  • Type I: increased amount of triglycerides (blood lipids); formation of nodules on the back and chest, on the arms and in the buttocks area; dizziness, headaches, swelling of the liver and spleen; low risk of arteriosclerosis (fatty deposits).
  • Type II: increased amount of cholesterol, LDL (low density lipoproteins) and VLDL (very low density lipoproteins); nodules at the tendon insertions; eyes affected by a cloudy ring; very high risk of arteriosclerosis
  • Type III: increased occurrence of cholesterol and triglycerides; nodule formation due to accumulation of skin fat; high risk of arteriosclerosis
  • Type IV: increased occurrence of triglycerides; nodules in various parts of the body; hereditary; high risk of arteriosclerosis
  • Type V: results from both genetic inheritance and poor lifestyle; low risk of arteriosclerosis

Prevention of lipometabolic disorders

If there is no underlying genetic predisposition, lipid metabolism disorders are often the result of an unhealthy lifestyle. This includes the consumption of sugary and fatty foods and a lack of exercise.

Unhealthy foods include

  • Soft drinks,
  • fast food,
  • snacks such as potato chips or chocolate bars.

Consequently, the fat metabolism can be positively influenced by adjusting your lifestyle. This prevents fat metabolism disorders and therefore cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks or strokes. The following measures can help:

  • Exercise several times a week
  • A balanced diet
  • Avoiding stress
  • If necessary, use of medication if you have a pre-existing condition

Ja zu gesunder Ernährung
A healthy diet is good for the body © Syda Productions | AdobeStock

Diagnosis of lipid metabolism disorders

Elevated blood lipid levels rarely manifest themselves directly in corresponding symptoms. Instead, the damage to the vascular walls and therefore the blood circulation progresses gradually. Those affected do not initially feel restricted and do not notice any deterioration in their general condition.

For this reason, it is recommended to have regular blood lipid checks carried out from the age of 35 in order to detect any disease.

If blood lipid levels are elevated, the lipid metabolism must then be analyzed to determine the type of disorder present. A treatment plan can then be drawn up.

Treatment and prognosis for lipid metabolism disorders

The focus of treatment is on lifestyle changes. Doctors advise eating less saturated fatty acids and consuming alcohol in moderation. In many cases, alcohol consumption must be stopped completely in order to achieve lasting success.

In addition, the intake of carbohydrates such as sugar should be reduced. This can only be achieved through a determined and disciplined restructuring of eating habits.

Regular sport and sufficient exercise in everyday life are further points that those affected are advised to take. Physical activity stimulates blood circulation. This improves the transport of nutrients carried by the blood, including fatty acids.

In addition, the amount of harmful fats or lipids can be reduced by taking medication. The harmful fats include

  • LDL cholesterol,
  • VLDL cholesterol and
  • triglycerides.

In the case of secondary lipometabolic disorders, the underlying disease must be treated.

Sport und Bewegung
Exercise and sport help the body to maintain a healthy metabolism © Dmytro Panchenko | AdobeStock

Often the complications of lipid metabolism largely disappear when the symptoms of the main disease improve. The earlier the high blood lipid levels are noticed, the better the prognosis. If the blood vessels are already narrowed, regular check-ups with the doctor are very important.

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