You might be familiar with LDL and HDL cholesterol, but a more complex and dangerous condition known as “atherogenic dyslipidaemia” could be putting your heart at risk, even if your LDL isn’t sky-high. Health experts describe this as a triple-threat lipid profile that significantly accelerates heart disease, and it’s particularly common in some populations.
The first threat in this triad is high triglycerides. These are a type of fat found in your blood that your body uses for energy. When levels are consistently elevated, often due to diet and genetics, they contribute to the hardening of arteries and increase the risk of pancreatitis.
The second threat is low HDL cholesterol. HDL is often called “good” cholesterol because it acts like a scavenger, picking up excess cholesterol in your arteries and transporting it back to the liver for removal. When HDL levels are low, this crucial cleanup process is impaired, allowing more plaque to build up.
The third and perhaps most insidious threat is a high concentration of small, dense LDL particles. While standard tests measure the total amount of LDL, it’s these smaller, heavier particles that are particularly damaging. They are more prone to oxidation and can easily wiggle their way into the artery walls, kickstarting the plaque-formation process.
This dangerous combination creates a perfect storm for atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, and ultimately, heart attacks and strokes. It’s a key reason why a comprehensive lipid panel, not just a simple cholesterol check, is so important. Understanding if you have this triple-threat profile is the first step toward taking targeted action to protect your heart.