Hyperlipidemia

Introduction

In a previous article, I discussed the first of the Terrible Twins; this article focuses on the other, hyperlipidemia. Together, hypertension and hyperlipidemia are two of the most modifiable risk factors for preventing cardiovascular and renal complications. In South Africa, 80 people die from myocardial infarction and 60 from stroke each day. This article reviews the latest South African guidelines for hyperlipidemia, with an emphasis on early screening, diagnosis, risk stratification, management and treatment. Its central message is to treat to target: approximately 50% of people with hyperlipidemia remain undiagnosed, and many of those receiving treatment do not reach their target lipid levels.