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Dyslipidemia
Extreme fatigue
High cholesterol levels
High cholesterol and triglycerides
Mixed dyslipidemia
Lack of energy and fatigue
Reddish bump on skin
Yellow raised bumps on skin
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Dyslipidemia?
Dyslipidemia is a condition where there are abnormally high levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. This can significantly increase a person's risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious problems because of fatty buildup in the blood vessels, which can cause narrowing or blockage.
Typical Symptoms of Dyslipidemia
- Red or yellow skin lumps
- History of fatty deposits in the blood vessels
- Skin lumps
- Soft lump/s on skin
- Taking medication for high blood pressure
- Abnormal cholesterol levels
- Weight gain of 22lbs/10kg or more after the age of 20
- I am overweight
Diagnostic Questions for Dyslipidemia
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have yellow or red lumps/bumps on your skin?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with arteriosclerosis?
- Have you noticed any lumps on your skin?
- Do you have a soft lump under your skin?
- Are you on blood pressure medication?
Treatment of Dyslipidemia
To treat dyslipidemia and reduce the risk of complications, doctors often recommend a combination of diet changes, exercise, and medication to lower cholesterol.
Reviewed By:
Scott Nass, MD, MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS (Primary Care)
Dr. Nass received dual medical degrees from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Charles R. Drew University in Medicine and Science. He completed Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center with subsequent fellowships at Ventura, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, George Washington University, and University of California-Irvine. He holds faculty appointments at Keck School of Medicine of USC, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences.
Yoshinori Abe, MD (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Abe graduated from The University of Tokyo School of Medicine in 2015. He completed his residency at the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Longevity Medical Center. He co-founded Ubie, Inc. in May 2017, where he currently serves as CEO & product owner at Ubie. Since December 2019, he has been a member of the Special Committee for Activation of Research in Emergency AI of the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine. | | Dr. Abe has been elected in the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia Healthcare & Science category.
Content updated on Jul 3, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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This questionnaire is customized to your situation and symptoms, including the following personal information:
Biological Sex - helps us provide relevant suggestions for male vs. female conditions.
Age - adjusts our guidance based on any age-related health factors.
History - considers past illnesses, surgeries, family history, and lifestyle choices.
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Reddish skin lumps
- Yellowish skin lumps
- Lumps under skin
- Reddish skin lumps
- Bumps on my arm
- Lumps on my wrist
- Pink, bumpy skin
- Lump on the back
- Many skin nodules
- Skin lumps with black dots in the center
- Lumps that dangle from the skin
- Raised skin over a surgery scar
- Hard reddish-brown lumps
- Pearly nodule
See full list
Symptoms Related to Dyslipidemia
Diseases Related to Dyslipidemia
FAQs
Q.
Atorvastatin for Women 30-45: Side Effects & Vital Next Steps
A.
For women 30 to 45, atorvastatin is often used preventively to lower LDL and heart risk; most side effects are mild like muscle aches, fatigue, headache, and digestive issues, though rare serious issues include severe muscle injury, liver problems, and small blood sugar increases, and it should not be used during pregnancy or when trying to conceive. There are several factors to consider; see below to understand more. Next steps include confirming why it was prescribed, arranging follow-up labs for cholesterol, liver enzymes, and blood sugar, tracking any muscle symptoms while pairing the medication with heart-healthy habits, seeking urgent care for severe pain, dark urine, jaundice, chest pain, or stroke signs, and never stopping the drug without medical advice, with fuller guidance provided below.
References:
* Sima E, Ebrahimi P, Esmaeili J, Rahmani A, Bahreini A. Statins and Female Reproductive Health: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2023 Apr 19;15(8):1969. doi: 10.3390/nu15081969. PMID: 37110901; PMCID: PMC10179979.
* Michos ED, Nasir K, Miller M. Statins in Women of Childbearing Age: What Are the Risks? J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020 May 12;75(18):2333-2342. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.03.045. PMID: 32381284.
* Parra S, Furlan M, Hage FG. Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Women of Childbearing Age: Role of Lipids and Statins. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2020 Feb 28;22(3):12. doi: 10.1007/s11883-020-0824-7. PMID: 32112101.
* Bittner V. Statins in Women. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016 Oct 11;68(15):1676-1685. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2016.07.784. PMID: 27712818.
* Tomaszewski M, Stępień R, Tomaszewska M, Och M, Cybulski M, Wożakowska-Kapłon B. Sex differences in statin-associated muscle symptoms. J Am Heart Assoc. 2014 Mar 24;3(2):e000471. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.113.000471. PMID: 24662497; PMCID: PMC4187515.
Q.
Cholesterol Over 65: 5 Signs & Prevention Tips for Women
A.
Women over 65 should watch for possible cholesterol-related signs such as chest pressure or shortness of breath, leg cramps with walking, yellowish patches on eyelids or joints, dizziness or balance problems, and a family history plus risks like diabetes or high blood pressure. Prevention includes heart smart foods, gentle regular activity, steady weight management, medication and condition reviews, and routine cholesterol tests, with urgent evaluation for red flag symptoms and consideration of statins when advised; there are several factors to consider, and complete guidance is below.
References:
* Wang DD, Ziaeian B, Stone NJ, Greenland P, Yeboah J, Peterson ED, Wenger NK, Nasir K, Virani SS, Jacobson TA, Benjamin EJ, Navar AM, Pencina MJ, Lloyd-Jones DM, Carnethon MR. Management of Dyslipidemia in Older Adults: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. J Am Heart Assoc. 2023 Feb 7;12(3):e029302. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.122.029302. Epub 2023 Feb 3. PMID: 36733230; PMCID: PMC9975760.
* Fares H, Chehab O, Chehab Y, Aftimos G. Lipid Guidelines for Women: Focus on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention. Clin Ther. 2020 Jan;42(1):e1-e12. doi: 10.1016/j.clinther.2019.10.007. Epub 2019 Nov 22. PMID: 31761614.
* Mosley JD, Greenland P, Liu S, et al. Cardiovascular disease in women: a comparison of sex-specific and conventional risk prediction. Eur Heart J. 2020 Oct 7;41(38):3691-3699. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa655. PMID: 32777045; PMCID: PMC7538059.
* El Khoudary SR, Aggarwal B, Beckie TM, et al. Impact of the Menopause Transition on Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Women. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2021 Mar 2;77(9):1199-1215. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2021.01.036. PMID: 33658000; PMCID: PMC8759328.
* Agarwal V, Varma A, Dhindsa S. Dyslipidemia Management in Older Adults: A Clinical Perspective. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2021 Sep 17;106(10):e3939-e3952. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgab513. PMID: 34533816.
Q.
LDL Cholesterol in Women 65+: What’s Normal & When to Worry
A.
For women 65+, LDL below 100 mg/dL is generally ideal, 100 to 129 near optimal, 130 to 159 borderline high, 160 to 189 high, and 190 or higher very high. Worry sooner if LDL is elevated and you also have risks like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, smoking, or strong family history, since targets may be below 70 mg/dL and treatment can include lifestyle changes plus medicines such as statins, ezetimibe, or PCSK9 inhibitors; high LDL has no symptoms and testing is usually every 4 to 6 years or more often if at risk. There are several factors to consider for your personal next steps, including when to call a doctor, so see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Wong ND, Chan S, Bar-Dayan A, Miller M. LDL Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk in Older Women: A Review of Current Evidence and Guidelines. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2019 Apr;67(4):810-815. doi: 10.1111/jgs.15783. Epub 2019 Jan 25. PMID: 30678672.
* Vargas-Barrón J, de la Rosa-Hernández D, García-Méndez S, Vargas-Ayala G, de la Peña-Salcedo RA. Management of Hyperlipidemia in Older Adults. Curr Cardiol Rep. 2021 Jul 2;23(8):105. doi: 10.1007/s11886-021-01534-1. PMID: 34212958.
* Dugani SB, Goldstein MR. Dyslipidemia in Older Adults: An Evidence-Based Review. Am J Med. 2018 Sep;131(9):1001-1007. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2018.01.036. Epub 2018 Feb 15. PMID: 29391039.
* Gorecki A, Albalat L, Poveda A, Caldeira D, Costa J. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Women Older Than 65 Years of Age. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2021 Oct;69(10):2999-3001. doi: 10.1111/jgs.17235. Epub 2021 May 4. PMID: 33946639.
* Zarębska-Michaluk B, Kałużna A, Nowacki T, Wacławski J, Kaczmarczyk M, Sokołowska E. Statins in the Elderly: Benefits, Risks, and Considerations. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Oct 13;23(20):12185. doi: 10.3390/ijms232012185. PMID: 36248967; PMCID: PMC9603091.
Q.
Why Women Over 65 Need Psyllium Husk for Heart & Gut Health
A.
Psyllium husk can help many women over 65 by lowering LDL and total cholesterol, easing constipation by softening and bulking stool for regularity, and smoothing post-meal blood sugar swings to support both heart and gut health. There are several factors to consider. See below to understand more, including how to take it safely, interactions with medicines, who should avoid it, warning signs that need urgent care, and when to talk with a clinician about your personal plan.
References:
* Abellán Ruiz MS, Gomis P, Herrero-Pomares R, Cadenas B, Olivares-Durán V, Marín F. Effect of psyllium consumption on blood lipid levels: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Diet Suppl. 2017 Jul 4;14(4):423-437. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2016.1264215. Epub 2017 Mar 29. PMID: 28355938.
* Ma J, Zhang L, Li Y, Meng H, Niu H, Sun J, Zhang S, Sun S, Han T, Feng Y. Effect of psyllium on stool characteristics, gut microbiota, and fermentation products in healthy elderly individuals. Food Sci Nutr. 2021 Jun 2;9(7):3585-3595. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.2323. PMID: 34221415; PMCID: PMC8170289.
* Saeed MK, Mehmood T, Anjum S, Ullah N, Nazir N, Bashir S, Ali B. A comprehensive review on the impact of psyllium on gut microbiota. Food Res Int. 2024 Jan;175:113702. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113702. Epub 2023 Nov 2. PMID: 38086968.
* Dajani A, Dajani S. The effect of psyllium on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Hypertens. 2018 Jan;36(1):19-27. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000001550. PMID: 28915017.
* Ma X, Ma W, Xu H, Hu Y. Psyllium for Human Health: Recent Advances in Its Chemical Composition and Health Benefits. Foods. 2023 Feb 24;12(5):953. doi: 10.3390/foods12050953. PMID: 36900732; PMCID: PMC10002166.
Q.
High Cholesterol in Women: Essential Screening & Diet Tips
A.
Women should start cholesterol checks in early adulthood, repeat them every 4 to 6 years if healthy, and test more often after menopause or with risks like family history, diabetes, PCOS, or thyroid disease. Support healthy numbers by eating more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and healthy fats, and by limiting saturated and trans fats and refined carbs. There are several factors to consider, including pregnancy-related changes, red flags that warrant a doctor visit, exercise targets, and when medication may be needed; see the complete guidance below to choose the right next steps for your health.
References:
* Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018 Dec 18;72(22):e600-e789. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.11.002. Epub 2018 Nov 10. Erratum in: J Am Coll Cardiol. 2019 Jun 25;73(24):3237-3240. PMID: 30423392.
* Agarwal M, Nanda S, Sarma P, et al. Dyslipidemia in Women: Understanding the Unique Risks and Management Strategies. Cureus. 2023 Mar 14;15(3):e36159. doi: 10.7759/cureus.36159. PMID: 37059104; PMCID: PMC10098484.
* Maas AHEM, van der Schouw YT, van der Schaft N, et al. Sex differences in cardiovascular risk factors: from women's unique risks to sex-specific clinical management. Eur Heart J. 2021 Oct 7;42(38):3846-3854. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab300. PMID: 34177218.
* Miller M, Stone NJ. Lipid and lipoprotein targets in women for primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2021 Apr 1;32(2):65-71. doi: 10.1097/MOL.0000000000000735. PMID: 33649516.
* Gidding SS, Lichtenstein AH, Howard BV, et al. Dietary Strategies to Reduce LDL Cholesterol: A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 17;13(12):4559. doi: 10.3390/nu13124559. PMID: 34948834; PMCID: PMC8708761.
Q.
Managing Cholesterol After 65: Statin Risks vs. Benefits
A.
There are several factors to consider; after 65, statins can lower LDL and reduce heart attack and stroke risk, with the clearest benefit if you already have heart disease or are at high risk. Potential downsides include muscle symptoms, rare liver changes, slight diabetes risk, and drug interactions, and starting after 75 for primary prevention is more individualized, so lifestyle changes and shared decision-making matter; see below for specific risks, alternatives, and the key questions that could shape your next steps.
References:
* Marzilli R, L'Abbate A, Zucchi R. Statins in Older Adults: Benefits, Risks, and Considerations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2020 Aug 1;105(8):e2888-e2900. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa371. PMID: 32530438.
* Chou R, Dana T, Blazina I, et al. Statins for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Older Adults: An Evidence Review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA. 2022 Sep 27;328(12):1244-1258. doi: 10.1001/jama.2022.14728. PMID: 36161680.
* Mortensen MB, Afzal S, Nordestgaard BG. Statin use in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in the elderly: A review of the current evidence. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2020 Nov-Dec;63(6):790-798. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2020.08.004. Epub 2020 Aug 11. PMID: 32795679.
* Muntner P, Singh S, Cushman WC, et al. Statin Use in Adults Aged ≥75 Years: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2022 Oct 25;146(17):e230-e241. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001099. Epub 2022 Oct 24. PMID: 36272551.
* Navar AM, Pencina MJ, Singh S, et al. Statin Benefit and Harm in Adults ≥75 Years of Age: A Secondary Analysis of the ACCELERATE Trial. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2018 Jan;66(1):164-169. doi: 10.1111/jgs.15147. Epub 2017 Oct 23. PMID: 29057538.
Q.
Can I eat grapefruit while taking statins?
A.
Grapefruit can interact with some statins, making them work too strongly and possibly causing side effects. It's best to talk to your doctor about whether you should avoid grapefruit while taking your specific statin. See below to understand more.
References:
Lee JW, Morris JK, & Wald NJ. (2016). Grapefruit Juice and Statins. The American journal of medicine, 26299317.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26299317/
de Andrés S, Lucena A, & de Juana P. (2004). [Interactions between foodstuffs and statins]. Nutricion hospitalaria, 15315110.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15315110/
Stump AL, Mayo T, & Blum A. (2006). Management of grapefruit-drug interactions. American family physician, 16939181.
Q.
Can omega-3 supplements replace statins?
A.
Omega-3 supplements cannot replace statins, as they work differently and are not as effective in lowering cholesterol levels. See below to understand more.
References:
Hoang T, & Kim J. (2020). Comparative Effect of Statins and Omega-3 .... Nutrients, 32722395.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32722395/
Ong HT, & Cheah JS. (2008). an objective review of omega-3, red yeast rice and garlic in .... Chinese medical journal, 18982874.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18982874/
Bradberry JC, & Hilleman DE. (2013). Overview of omega-3 Fatty Acid therapies. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, 24391388.
Q.
Do statins really cause muscle pain?
A.
Yes, statins can cause muscle pain in some people, but not everyone who takes them will have this problem. See below to understand more.
References:
Pedroso AF, Barreto SM, Telles RW, Machado LAC, Haueisen Sander Diniz MF, Duncan BB, & Figueiredo RC. (2024). Uncovering the Relationship Between Statins and Muscle .... Cardiovascular drugs and therapy, 37261675.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37261675/
Backes JM, Ruisinger JF, Gibson CA, & Moriarty PM. (2017). Statin-associated muscle symptoms-Managing the highly .... Journal of clinical lipidology, 28391891.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28391891/
Cham S, Evans MA, Denenberg JO, & Golomb BA. (2010). Statin-associated muscle-related adverse effects - PubMed - NIH. Pharmacotherapy, 20500044.
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https://www.metabolismjournal.com/article/S0026-0495(18)30244-0/fulltextWu L, Parhofer KG. Diabetic dyslipidemia. Metabolism. 2014 Dec;63(12):1469-79. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2014.08.010. Epub 2014 Aug 29. PMID: 25242435.
https://www.metabolismjournal.com/article/S0026-0495(14)00258-3/fulltextKatsiki N, Mikhailidis DP, Mantzoros CS. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and dyslipidemia: An update. Metabolism. 2016 Aug;65(8):1109-23. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2016.05.003. Epub 2016 May 13. PMID: 27237577.
https://www.metabolismjournal.com/article/S0026-0495(16)30018-X/fulltextAnderson TJ, Mancini GB, Genest J Jr, Grégoire J, Lonn EM, Hegele RA. The new dyslipidemia guidelines: what is the debate? Can J Cardiol. 2015 May;31(5):605-12. doi: 10.1016/j.cjca.2014.11.007. Epub 2014 Nov 11. PMID: 25816728.
https://www.onlinecjc.ca/article/S0828-282X(14)01570-0/fulltext