Abstract
Secondary dyslipidemia (DLP) arises as a result of other diseases or various exogenous influences. However, genetic predisposition, as it is known in the case of primary DLP, plays an important role in the development secondary DLP, too.
Typical examples are patients with hypothyroidism, when not all of these patients develop DLP. Another fact that supports genetic background is the individual sensitivity of lipid metabolism to exogenous influences and lifestyle.
Secondary DLPs are most commonly observed in a variety of endocrinopathies (hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome), diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, autoimmune disease, alcohol abuse etc. Moreover, DLPs can be caused by drugs, e.g. diuretics, non-selective beta-blockers, immunosuppressants and others.
Physiological secondary DLP can be observed during pregnancy. Secondary DLP exclusion is a logical first step of assessment of a patient with DLP.
Treatment with lipid lowering drugs would not be indicated when causal therapy exists. The eventual initiation of hypolipidemic treatment is based the type of DLP and its inducing factors.