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The Thistle QA CEU No is: MTS 19/093.
Each attendee should claim ONE CEU points for completing this Quality Control Journal Club exercise, and retain a copy of the relevant Thistle QA Participation Certificate as proof of registration on a Thistle QA EQA.
CHEMISTRY LEGEND
May 2019
Hypocholesterolemia
Hypocholesterolemia is the presence of abnormally low (hypo-) levels of cholesterol in the blood (- emia). A defect in the body's production of cholesterol can lead to adverse consequences as well. Cholesterol is an essential component of mammalian cell membranes and is required to establish proper membrane permeability and fluidity. It is not clear if a lower than average cholesterol level is directly harmful; it is often encountered in particular illnesses.
Cause Possible causes of low cholesterol are:
statins
hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland
liver disease
malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestines), such as in celiac disease
abetalipoproteinemia - a rare genetic disease that causes cholesterol readings below 50 mg/dl. It is found mostly in Jewish populations.
hypobetalipoproteinemia - a genetic disease that causes cholesterol readings below 50 mg/dl.
manganese deficiency
Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome
Thistle QA is a SANAS accredited organisation, No: PTS0001 Accredited to ISO guide 43 and ILAC G13 Certificate available on request or at www.sanas.co.za
48 Monte Carlo Crescent Kyalami Business Park Kyalami, Johannesburg, 1684, RSA Tel: +27 (0)11 463 3260 Fax: + 27 (0)86 557 2232 Email: [email protected] www.thistle.co.za
leukemias and other hematological diseases
Lab diagnosis
The only way to properly diagnose your cholesterol levels is through a blood test. If you have an LDL cholesterol less than 50 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or your total cholesterol is less than 120 mg/dL, you have low LDL cholesterol.
Total cholesterol is determined by adding LDL and HDL and 20 percent of your triglycerides, which are another type of fat in your bloodstream. An LDL cholesterol level between 70 and 100 mg/dL is considered ideal.
Signs and symptoms
There is some suggestion that depression and anxiety could be related to low cholesterol. Symptoms of depression and anxiety include hopelessness, changes in mood or sleep, confusion, agitation, and difficulty making decisions.
If you experience any of the signs outlined here and think it might be because of low cholesterol, see a doctor as soon as possible. Also, remember that a family history of low cholesterol is a risk factor, and so is being on statins or other blood pressure treatments.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for low cholesterol include having a family history of the condition, being on statins or other blood pressure treatment programs, and having untreated clinical depression.
Treatment
Your low cholesterol is most likely being caused by something in your diet or physical condition. In order to treat low cholesterol, it’s important to understand that simply eating cholesterol-rich foods won’t solve the problem. By taking blood samples and undergoing a mental health evaluation, suggestions for your diet and lifestyle may be made to treat your low cholesterol. If your cholesterol level is affecting your mental health, or vice versa, you may be prescribed an antidepressant. If statin medication has caused your cholesterol to drop too low. If that is the case, your prescription dose or medication may need to be adjusted.
Thistle QA is a SANAS accredited organisation, No: PTS0001 Accredited to ISO guide 43 and ILAC G13 Certificate available on request or at www.sanas.co.za
48 Monte Carlo Crescent Kyalami Business Park Kyalami, Johannesburg, 1684, RSA Tel: +27 (0)11 463 3260 Fax: + 27 (0)86 557 2232 Email: [email protected] www.thistle.co.za
References
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypocholesterolemia. 2. https://www.belmarrahealth.com › Heart Health › Cholesterol. 3. https://www.healthline.com/health/cholesterol-can-it-be-too-low
Questions 1. What are the causes of Hypocholesterolemia? 2. Discuss the signs and symptoms of Hypocholesterolemia. 3. Discuss the treatment in patients diagnosed with Hypocholesterolemia.
Thistle QA is a SANAS accredited organisation, No: PTS0001 Accredited to ISO guide 43 and ILAC G13 Certificate available on request or at www.sanas.co.za