Secondary dyslipidaemia

Abstract

Plasma lipid levels are determined by the interplay of environmental and genetic factors. Occasionally environmental factors may alter lipid levels significantly, resulting in secondary dyslipidaemia. The lipid phenotype in secondary dyslipidaemia is very variable (e.g. predominant hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia or changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and is dependent on the inciting secondary factor and the genetic and metabolic background. Some common causes of secondary hyperlipidaemia include hypothyroidism, diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, cholestatic liver disease and drugs such as retinoids, antiretroviral medications and glucocorticoids. Secondary dyslipidaemia should be addressed before lipid-lowering drugs are prescribed.