Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia refers to elevated levels of cholesterol and/or triglycerides in the plasma. The broader term also includes various lipid abnormalities involving low- and high-density lipoproteins. There are currently three classification methods. The first is phenotypic classification. In 1970, the World Health Organization classified lipoprotein abnormalities into five types according to the degree of elevation of various lipoproteins; Type II was further divided into two subtypes, making six types in total. In clinical practice, they are generally grouped into four categories: hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, mixed hyperlipidemia, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The second method classifies lipid abnormalities as primary or secondary, depending on whether they are secondary to a systemic disease. The third is genetic classification. Because hyperlipidemia caused by genetic defects often clusters in families and has a clear hereditary tendency, it is commonly referred to in clinical practice as familial hyperlipidemia.

TCM Pattern Identification and Medication Reference

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Dizziness; a heavy, wrapped sensation in the head; obesity; cough and shortness of breath; copious phlegm; nausea, retching, and dizziness; or a smooth, rounded lump in a localized area; chest tightness; heavy limbs. The tongue is enlarged, with a slippery, greasy coating; the pulse is slippery.

In plain language:

  • You may feel dizzy, with a floating or spinning sensation that makes it hard to feel steady.
  • Your head may feel heavy and tight, as if wrapped up, and generally uncomfortable.
  • You may have a larger body build and appear overweight or heavy.
  • You may cough and feel short of breath or have labored breathing.
  • You may cough up a noticeably large amount of phlegm.
  • You may feel nauseated or want to vomit, along with dizziness or unsteadiness.
  • A smooth, rounded lump may appear in one area of the body.
  • Your chest may feel tight or uncomfortable, with a sense of pressure when breathing.
  • Your limbs may feel heavy and movement may feel difficult.
  • Your tongue may appear enlarged or somewhat swollen.
  • The tongue coating may look moist, slippery, and greasy.
  • On pulse examination, the pulse may feel smooth and flowing, or slippery.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Resolve phlegm and reduce turbidity.

In plain language:

  • In TCM, this approach aims to transform thick phlegm and dampness and reduce internal turbidity, with the intention of easing discomforts such as chest tightness, excess phlegm, a heavy head, and fatigue.
  • It aims to reduce the effects of turbidity and stagnation on the movement of qi and the internal organs, helping ease nausea, acid regurgitation, a sticky feeling in the mouth, poor appetite, and abdominal bloating.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Distending discomfort and shifting pain in the chest, flanks, epigastrium, and abdomen; occasional stabbing pain; or a mass that comes and goes. The tongue is dark with stasis spots or patches; the sublingual veins are distended; the pulse is wiry or choppy.

In plain language:

  • You may feel distending discomfort in the chest, below the ribs, upper abdomen, or abdomen, with pain that shifts from place to place.
  • At times, you may experience a sharp, needle-like pain.
  • You may feel a localized lump or a mass-like pressure.
  • The discomfort or lump may appear in one place and then disperse or shift.
  • The tongue may look dark, with visible stasis spots or patches.
  • The veins under the tongue may appear enlarged, twisted, and prominent.
  • On pulse examination, the pulse may feel tense like a taut string, or rough and less smooth. You may feel distending discomfort in the chest, below the ribs, upper abdomen, or abdomen, with pain that shifts from place to place.
  • At times, you may experience a sharp, needle-like pain.
  • You may feel a localized lump or a mass-like pressure.
  • The discomfort or lump may appear in one place and then disperse or shift.
  • The tongue may look dark, with visible stasis spots or patches.
  • The veins under the tongue may appear enlarged, twisted, and prominent.
  • On pulse examination, the pulse may feel tense like a taut string, or rough and less smooth.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Promote qi circulation and blood flow, resolve stasis, and reduce turbidity.

In plain language:

  • In TCM, this approach aims to regulate qi and promote blood circulation, with the intention of easing discomforts associated with qi stagnation and blood stasis, such as distending discomfort in the chest and flanks, stabbing or fixed pain, and numbness or stiffness in the limbs.
  • It aims to resolve blood stasis and reduce stagnation and turbidity, helping ease fullness in the chest and epigastrium, nausea, belching, a heavy head, and fatigue.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Dizziness, chest tightness, reduced appetite, abdominal bloating, loose stools, a heavy feeling in the body, possible mild swelling, fatigue, poor appetite, nausea. The tongue is pale, enlarged, and has teeth marks; the coating is white and greasy; the pulse is thin and weak or soft and slow.

In plain language:

  • You may feel dizzy or lightheaded, and unsteady when standing or walking.
  • Your chest may feel tight or uncomfortable, with a sense of pressure that makes breathing feel difficult.
  • You may eat less than usual because your appetite has decreased.
  • Your abdomen may feel full, bloated, and tight.
  • Your stools may be soft, loose, or poorly formed.
  • Your body may feel tired and heavy, and your movements may seem slow or cumbersome.
  • You may have mild swelling, with an area appearing slightly puffy.
  • You may tire easily, feel weak, and lack energy for activities.
  • You may have a poor appetite and little interest in food.
  • You may feel nauseated or have a sensation of acid regurgitation, sometimes with an urge to vomit.
  • Your tongue may look pale and less reddish or lustrous than usual.
  • Your tongue may appear enlarged, with tooth marks along its edges.
  • The tongue coating may look white and greasy, with a moist, unclean appearance.
  • On pulse examination, the pulse may feel thin and weak, or soft and slow.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Tonify qi and strengthen the Spleen, transform dampness, and harmonize the Stomach.

In plain language:

  • In TCM, this approach aims to support qi and strengthen the Spleen’s digestive functions. It may help ease fatigue, shortness of breath, poor appetite, reduced food intake, and loose stools.
  • It aims to transform dampness and harmonize Stomach qi, helping ease fullness in the chest and epigastrium, abdominal bloating, belching, nausea, and acid regurgitation. A sticky feeling in the mouth and a heavy, tired feeling may also improve.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Dizziness, tinnitus, heat in the palms, soles, and chest, low-grade fever with flushed cheeks, flank pain, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, forgetfulness, dry mouth. The tongue is red with a scant coating; the pulse is thin and rapid.

In plain language:

  • You may feel dizzy or lightheaded, with a floating or spinning sensation that can make standing or walking feel less steady.
  • You may hear ringing or buzzing in your ears, which can be noticeable even in a quiet setting.
  • Your palms, soles, and chest may feel hot, with a restless sensation of internal heat.
  • You may feel persistently slightly feverish, with warmth and redness over the cheeks.
  • You may have a dull ache or distending pain along the ribs or flanks, which may be more noticeable with pressure or movement.
  • Your lower back and knees may often feel sore and weak, especially after standing or walking for a long time.
  • Your memory may seem worse, and you may forget things or quickly lose track of what you have just done or said.
  • Your mouth may feel notably dry, making you want to drink water, though it may still not feel adequately moist.
  • Your tongue may look redder than usual.
  • The tongue may have little or no coating and may appear relatively smooth.
  • On pulse examination, the pulse may feel thin and rapid, with a faster rate and relatively weak force.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Nourish the Liver and Kidneys, nourish the blood, and replenish yin.

In plain language:

  • In TCM, this approach aims to nourish the Liver and Kidneys and replenish essence and yin fluids, with the intention of easing discomforts such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, dry eyes, dry mouth, hot flushes, and night sweats.
  • It aims to nourish the blood and yin throughout the body, helping ease a sallow complexion, palpitations, insomnia, dry skin, and dry mouth, while supporting a steadier mood and more restful sleep.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

References

  1. Wu Zhaosu, Yao Chonghua, Zhao Dong, et al. Population monitoring of cardiovascular disease trends and determinants in multiple provinces and cities in China (the China MONICA Project) II: Results of incidence and mortality monitoring [J]. Chinese Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, 1997, 25(1): 6–11.
  2. Joint Committee for the Development of Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Chinese Adults. Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Chinese Adults [J]. Chinese Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases, 2007, 5(35): 390–412.