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dyslipidemia, increases in low-density lipoprotein levels can be caused by diabetes, hypothyroidism, nephrotic syndrome, obstructive liver disease, anabolic steroids, progestins, beta-adrenergic blockers, and thiazides. Increases in triglyceride levels can be caused by diabetes, hypothyroidism, obesity, renal insufficiency, beta-adrenergic blockers, bile acid binding resins, estrogens, and ticlopidine. Decreases in high-density lipoprotein levels can be caused by cigarette smoking, diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, menopause, obesity, puberty, uremia, anabolic steroids, beta-adrenergic blockers, and progestins.
     
    The risk factors associated with dyslipidemia that can lead to coronary heart disease include natural aging, male gender, family history of cardiovascular disease, cigarette smoking or tobacco use, hypertension and diabetes.
     
    Diagnosis, screening and symptoms
    The goal of dyslipidemia treatment is to control lipid levels, decreasing low-density lipoprotein levels and triglyceride levels and increasing high-density lipoprotein levels, as well as prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, heart attack and stroke. Treatment algorithms involve lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic management.
     
    Individuals prescribed lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic drugs should be monitored by a clinical practitioner on a regular basis. Also, lipid levels should be checked on a periodic basis after starting treatment in case the dose needs to be titrated.
     

Myocardial infarction
     
    Myocardial infarction is defined as the lack of blood flow to the heart caused by plaque rupture or blockage. Myocardial infarction is also known as heart attack or acute myocardial infarction.
     
    In the United States, myocardial infarction and other cardiac ischemic conditions are the leading cause of mortality. Coronary heart disease is responsible for 1 in 5 deaths in the United States. Currently, the prevalence of coronary artery disease is over 7 million in men and over 6 million in women. More than 1 million individuals suffer an acute myocardial infarction per year, with nearly 40% dying because of the incident. Men are at a higher risk of myocardial infarction than women, especially with increasing age.
     

Causes and risk factors
    Risk factors that can lead to myocardial infarction include a family history of vascular disease such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and/or angina, previous heart attack or stroke, previous episodes of syncope or arrhythmias, natural aging, smoking or tobacco use, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, abuse of drugs, elevated triglyceride levels, elevated low-density lipoprotein levels, decreased high-density lipoprotein levels, diabetes, hypertension, acute infections, obesity, chronic renal failure, stress, and anxiety.
     
    Other contributing factors include socioeconomic factors such as lack of education and lower income that prevent individuals from seeking preventative care and/or routine management.
     

Symptoms
    Symptoms associated with myocardial infarction include chest pain, pain radiating from the left side of the neck or arm, feeling of fullness or pressure in the chest, prolonged pain in upper abdomen, syncope, lightheadedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, sweating, weakness, fatigue, and anxiety. Some patients present with no symptoms, which is referred to as a silent heart attack. Also, men present with different symptoms than women in most cases. Women tend to present with shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness.
     
    The onset of symptoms typically occurs over a short period of time, worsening without intervention. However, nearly half of patients do not experience any symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
     

Diagnosis and screening
    Physical examination, patient history, and diagnostic tools are used for diagnosis of myocardial