Biochemical Investigations in Hyperlipidemia

• Hyperlipidemia/Dyslipidemia investigations:

• Tests that establish primary/secondary cause for Hyperlipidemia/Dyslipidemia

• Tests that establish additional risks related to Dyslipidemia

• Lipid-related

• Non-lipid-related 

• Dyslipidemia Investigations:

• Biochemical

• Genetic

• Imaging modalities in assessing consequences of Dyslipidemia.

• Secondary causes may be ruled out using urine dipstick, thyroid function tests, liver tests, glucose, Glycated haemoglobin and protein electrophoresis.

• Certain medical conditions that increase CVD risk are NAFLD, OSAS, PCOS, GDM, PIH, PAD, inflammatory arthritis, organ transplantation and immunosuppression, CKD and drug use.

• Investigations into specific forms of Hyperlipidemia:

• Familial Hypercholesterolemia – full lipid profile and lipoprotein, most international guidelines recommend genetic testing that involves sequencing of LDL receptor, apoB and PCSK9 genes.

• Familial combined Hyperlipidemia – full lipid profile and lipoprotein; genetic testing is not available-polygenic.