Hyperlipidemia

Alternative names

Lipid disorders; hyperlipoproteinemia; High blood cholesterol and triglycerides

Definition

Lipid disorders are when you have excess fatty substances in your blood. These substances include cholesterol and triglycerides. Having a lipid disorder makes you more likely to develop atherosclerosis and Heart disease.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cholesterol can be bound to fat and protein at different densities. Two main types include:

• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) - bad cholesterol
  
• High-density lipoproteins (HDL) - good cholesterol
  

In general, you want your LDL to be LOW, and your HDL to be HIGH.

High cholesterol and other lipid disorders can be inherited (genetic) or associated with:

• Fatty diets
  
• Diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and kidney failure
  
• Certain medications, including birth control pills, estrogen, corticosteroids, certain diuretics, and beta-blockers
  
• Lifestyle factors, including habitual, excessive alcohol use and lack of exercise, leading to obesity.
  

People who smoke and also have high cholesterol are at even greater risk for Heart disease. Lipid disorders are more common in men than women.

Symptoms

There are no symptoms.

Signs and tests

A fasting lipid test (lipoprotein test) breaks down cholesterol into four groups:

• Total cholesterol
  
• Low density lipoproteins (LDL) - bad cholesterol
  
• High density lipoproteins (HDL) - good cholesterol
  
• Triglycerides
  

In general, a total cholesterol value over 200 mg/dL may indicate a greater risk for heart disease. However, LDL levels are a better predictor of heart disease and determine how your high cholesterol should be treated.