Hypocholesterolemia

Hypocholesterolemia (pronounced: hy-po-kol-es-ter-ol-e-mia) is a medical condition characterized by abnormally low levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Etymology

The term "Hypocholesterolemia" is derived from the Greek words "hypo" meaning under, "chole" meaning bile, "stereos" meaning solid, and "haima" meaning blood.

Definition

Hypocholesterolemia is a condition where the level of cholesterol in the blood is lower than the normal range. This can be due to various reasons such as malnutrition, malabsorption, certain genetic conditions, or as a side effect of certain medications.

Causes

Hypocholesterolemia can be caused by a variety of factors including:

Malnutrition: Lack of adequate nutrition can lead to lower cholesterol levels.
Hyperthyroidism: This condition can increase the metabolism of cholesterol, leading to lower levels.
Liver disease: The liver plays a crucial role in cholesterol metabolism. Any disease affecting the liver can potentially lead to hypocholesterolemia.
Malabsorption: Conditions that affect the body's ability to absorb nutrients can lead to lower cholesterol levels.
Genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions can lead to hypocholesterolemia.
Medications: Certain medications, particularly those used to treat high cholesterol, can lead to hypocholesterolemia.

Symptoms

Hypocholesterolemia itself usually does not cause any symptoms. However, the underlying cause of hypocholesterolemia may cause symptoms. For example, malnutrition can cause fatigue, weight loss, and other symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for hypocholesterolemia usually involves addressing the underlying cause. This may involve dietary changes, medication adjustments, or treatment of any underlying medical conditions.

Related Terms

Hypercholesterolemia: A condition characterized by high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
Cholesterol: A type of fat found in the blood that is necessary for the body's normal functioning.
Lipoprotein: A type of protein that carries cholesterol in the blood.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Hypocholesterolemia
Wikipedia's article - Hypocholesterolemia

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Hypocholesterolemia