HYPERLIPIDEMIA
More commonly referred to as high cholesterol, hyperlipidemia is a condition of elevated lipids, or fats, in the blood. Hyperlipidemia increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease, which can in turn lead to heart attack, stroke and other medical problems. Blood tests can measure the different levels of lipoproteins, or lipids, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides. LDL cholesterol is commonly called the "bad cholesterol", as elevated LDL can particularly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Medications called statins are used to lower levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood and in turn reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular events. Statins, such as Lipitor, Crestor and Zocor, can have benefits for high and low risk patients but not every patient is able to tolerate statins. Some patients experience muscle-related aches, pains, cramps and weakness when taking a statin.
Maintaining an appropriate level of lipoproteins is key to the prevention of developing unwanted consequences. Bluewater Clinical Research Group is dedicated to research that may improve the quality of life and outcomes for individuals with hyperlipidemia who are statin-intolerant.
Please fill out the form below for more information on how you can become involved in a clinical research study.
Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for more information or check out this short video.
