E78: Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidaemias

Disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidaemias, represented as the ICD-10 code group E78, incorporate a group of medical conditions which are typically characterized by abnormal levels or types of lipids and lipoproteins in the bloodstream. Lipids, largely composed of fats and cholesterol, are transported in the body by proteins known as lipoproteins. Diseases in this group often occur when there's an imbalance in the body's mechanism to process these lipoproteins. You might notice conditions like high levels of low-density lipoprotein (often termed as 'bad' cholesterol), low high-density lipoprotein (or 'good' cholesterol), or elevated triglycerides. These alterations can be due to various factors including genetic predisposition, unhealthy lifestyle habits or other medical ailments. Common symptoms may comprise chest pain, stroke or even no symptoms at all. These disorders pose a risk as they can progressively lead to the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, potentially causing heart diseases or strokes.