Since hyperlipidemia does not cause symptoms for a long time, it should be detected as early as possible to prevent complications by blood test à fasting for 12 hours and away from an acute illness such as a viral infection, a heart attack, an operation etc.. Blood tests will establish cholesterol and triglyceride levels: it’s the lipid profile. On the prescription will be written: exploration of a lipid abnormality

Official recommendations vary from country to country. In Canada as in France, medical authorities recommend that the following people undergo this screening² :

• men aged 40 and over;
• postmenopausal women or aged 50 and over;
• screening will be earlier and more frequent in people at risk (diabetes, obesity, etc.);
• The test can be done on average every 5 years in healthy people.

These measures prevent not only a first cardiac event (angina attack or heart attack) but also type 2 diabetes, obesity, certain cancers and neurodegenerative diseases such as Azlheimer’s disease.²:

• Do not smoke, or quit smoking;
• Adopt a healthy and balanced diet. Fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains should be on your menu every day. For more information, see our section dedicated to this subject: Eat better;
• Make physical activity part of your lifestyle and maintain a healthy weight. Physical activity (it is not necessarily the fact of playing sport but at least of moving) greatly reduces the risks of overweight, hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and diabetes;
• Consume alcohol in moderation. The amount of alcohol consumed should not exceed 1 drink per day for women and 2 drinks per day for men.