Every year National Lipid Day is observed on May 10 across the world for people suffering from dyslipidemia. It is a rare condition in which an abnormal increase in the number of lipids like cholesterol or fat in the blood occurs. People from all walks of life can help in working towards creating awareness about dyslipidemia. You can partake by volunteering for events and letting people know about the dos and don’ts of the disease. It is more prevalent in Asian Indians as compared to white Caucasians in the U.S.
History of National Lipid Day
Kunjan Singh and Sanjay Suri created National Lipid Day on behalf of Zydus Cadila to spread awareness about the disease called dyslipidemia. In April 2015, May 10 was chosen as the day on which National Lipid Day is to be observed annually.The history of dyslipidemia goes way back to the early 1990s. It is a risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). This includes coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral artery disease. Although dyslipidemia is a risk factor for ASCVD, abnormal levels don’t mean that lipid-lowering agents need to be started right away. Many other factors also need to be taken into consideration.Most developed countries suffer from dyslipidemias are hyperlipidemias, which means there is an elevation of lipids in the blood. Throughout the history of the disease, we have seen that it is often caused due to a person’s diet and lifestyle.
National Lipid Day timeline
The first case of dyslipidemia is detected in the U.S.
May 10 is proclaimed as National Lipid Day.
Awareness camps for better knowledge about dyslipidemia are established.
An international event is organized by the Lipid Association of India.
National Lipid Day FAQs
What causes dyslipidemia?
Genetic factors cause primary dyslipidemia and it is inherited. Secondary dyslipidemia is caused by lifestyle factors or medical conditions that interfere with blood lipid levels over time.
Is dyslipidemia the same as high cholesterol?
Dyslipidemia is more than just bad cholesterol. It’s also an excess of triglycerides — components of fats and oils — in your blood.
Can dyslipidemia be cured?
With the help of statins or fibrates and a healthy lifestyle, you can usually manage dyslipidemia. The key is to keep taking medications if they’re effective and you aren’t experiencing any side effects. Sometimes people reach their cholesterol targets and stop taking their statins.
How To Observe National Lipid Day
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Create awareness camps
Many hospitals and health institutes organize check-up camps for dyslipidemias and hyperlipidemias on May 10. You can contact your nearby hospital and help organize an awareness camp on National Lipid Day.
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Get more firsthand knowledge
Information on dyslipidemia and even hyperlipidemia is quite rare. Sure, it’s available in medical books and journals, but not many have access to them. It would be very helpful if you can try to gain more knowledge about the disease, maybe from libraries or from doctors themselves, and then impart that knowledge to the general public on May 10.
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Spread it on the internet
On May 10, doctors and medical staff try to spread the word about dyslipidemia through videos and articles. But they don’t always reach a large enough audience as doctors and medical staff, in general, don’t have a big following. You can help by sharing these on social media with the relevant hashtags and spreading their knowledge.
5 Things To Do To Prevent Dyslipidemia
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Exercise
Do at least 30 to 45 minutes of moderate exercise five days a week (e.g. a brisk walk).
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Diet regime
Modify your diet to include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and wholegrain cereals.
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Eat protein-rich foods
Protein sources like fish, lean meat, poultry, seafood, legumes, nuts, and seeds should be eaten.
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Avoid dairy
Reduce your dairy intake like low-fat milk, cheeses, and yogurts.
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Eat healthy fats
Healthy fats such as avocados, olives, and nuts should be eaten every day.
Why National Lipid Day Is Important
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Dyslipidemia is not rare
Dyslipidemia is quite a common disease. But, to be fair, there is not much knowledge about it. National Lipid Day is important in drawing the attention of the youth and the population, in general, to this disease to make people want to learn more about it and share that knowledge with their friends and peers.
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Dyslipidemia can cause a heart attack
Dyslipidemia affects your blood and can cause your blood to thicken. That, in turn, goes to the heart and when the blood is too thick to pass through the arteries, it can create a blockage, which can cause a heart attack. Knowledge about the disease can prevent this from occurring.
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Dyslipidemia needs quick attention
Dyslipidemia needs urgent treatment if detected. If you’re suffering from dyslipidemia, you can have a cardiac arrest at any time and anywhere. It’s better to know ways to prevent the disease from happening, and also, if it happens, what to do next. It’s always good to be prepared and National Lipid Day is a great way to start increasing your knowledge on the subject.
National Lipid Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 10 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | May 10 | Friday |
| 2025 | May 10 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 10 | Sunday |
| 2027 | May 10 | Monday |
