DYSLIPIDEMIA

 

Abnormal Blood Lipid Profile (Dyslipidemia)

 

Lipids play an important role throughout the body and must be transported to many bodily tissues through the bloodstream. Since they are not soluble in the aqueous environment of the blood, lipids are required to bind to protein in the bloodstream. As a result, lipids and proteins are bundled together in molecules called lipoproteins. The relative proportion of fat to protein determines the density of the molecule, with a high lipid content resulting in a low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and a low lipid content resulting in a high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Some lipoproteins increase the risk for cardiovascular disease, while others decrease the risk. An individual is diagnosed with dyslipidemia when the lipoproteins are outside their normal range.

 

Credit: NASM SENIOR FITNESS SPECIALIST

©2014 NASM National Academy of Sports Medicine