Lipids and Lipoprotein Abnormalities

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to lipids and lipoprotein abnormalities, focusing on definitions, disorders, and their implications on health.

Hyperlipidemia

The elevation of lipoprotein concentration in the blood.

Atherosclerosis

A form of arteriosclerosis characterized by the deposition of lipids in the arterial wall.

Cholesterol

A lipid that is a factor in the cause of atherosclerotic diseases.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

A type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol and is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

A type of lipoprotein that helps to remove lipids from tissues and transport them to the liver for excretion.

Triglycerides

A type of fat found in the blood that can increase in response to hormonal changes.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia

A genetic disorder characterized by high levels of LDL due to defective LDL receptors.

Eruptive xanthomas

Skin lesions resultant from high triglyceride levels, particularly seen in familial chylomicronemia.

Apoprotein C-II

A protein that is critical for lipoprotein lipase activity in clearing triglycerides.

Diabetes Mellitus

A condition that can lead to hyperlipidemia and decreased insulin levels affecting lipid metabolism.

Thyroid Hormones

Hormones that have an inverse relationship with cholesterol levels in the blood.

Lipoprotein Lipase (LPL)

An enzyme that breaks down lipoproteins; deficiencies can lead to hyperlipoproteinemia.

Hypothyroidism

A condition leading to elevated cholesterol levels due to decreased thyroid hormone activity.

Biliary Obstruction

A blockage that leads to elevated cholesterol levels due to failure of the liver to excrete bile.

Nicotine

A compound from cigarettes that adversely affects cardiovascular function and lipid metabolism.

Risk Factors for Atherosclerosis

Age, male gender, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and family history of coronary artery disease.

Malnutrition

A potential cause of fatty liver due to lack of essential fatty acids for lipoprotein synthesis.

Alcoholism

A contributing factor to fatty liver due to inhibited lipid oxidation and metabolism.

Familial Combined Hyperlipoproteinemia

A genetic disorder leading to increased levels of both cholesterol and triglycerides.

Tangier Disease

Also known as analphalipoproteinemia, a rare disorder characterized by extremely low HDL levels.

Hypobetalipoproteinemia

An autosomal dominant disorder associated with reduced levels of LDL and VLDL.

Atherosclerotic Plaques

Deposits of lipids and cells in arteries that can lead to thrombus formation and infarction.

LDL/HDL Ratio

A calculated value that helps assess coronary heart disease risk.

Familial Dysbetalipoproteinemia

A genetic disorder with defective removal of chylomicron remnants, leading to elevated IDL.

Cardiac Dysfunction

Potential complications arising from high lipid levels and resulting thrombus formation.

Hypoalphalipoproteinemia

A disorder leading to reduced HDL levels, associated with possible cardiovascular risk.

Lipid Panel

A blood test used to measure total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL.

Chylomicrons

Lipoproteins that transport dietary lipids from the intestines to other locations in the body.

Triglyceride Accumulation

A condition where excess triglycerides crowd liver cells, leading to fatty liver.

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

A condition linked to dyslipidemia characterized by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Insulin Resistance

A condition where cells do not respond properly to insulin, affecting lipid levels.

Scavenger Receptors

Receptors that bind modified LDL and contribute to atherosclerosis.

Age-related Lipid Variability

The observation that normal cholesterol levels can vary based on age and sex.

Fatty Streaks

Initial deposits of fat in arterial walls that can develop into atherosclerotic plaques.