Hyperlipidemia is an excess of fatty substances called lipids, largely cholesterol and triglycerides, in the blood. It is also called hyperlipoproteinemia because these fatty substances travel in the blood attached to proteins. This is the only way that these fatty substances can remain dissolved while in circulation.
Hyperlipidemia, in general, can be divided into two subcategories:
• hypercholesterolemia, in which there is a high level of cholesterol
• hypertriglyceridemia, in which there is a high level of triglycerides, the most common form of fat
Description of Hyperlipidemia
The fat-protein complexes in the blood are called lipoproteins. The best-known lipoproteins are LDL (low density lipoprotein) and HDL (high density lipoprotein).
Excess LDL cholesterol contributes to the blockage of arteries, which eventually leads to heart attack. Population studies have clearly shown that the higher the level of LDL cholesterol, the greater the risk of heart disease. This is true in men and women, in different racial and ethnic groups, and in all adult age groups. Hence, LDL cholesterol has been labeled the “bad” cholesterol.
In contrast, the lower the level of HDL cholesterol, the greater the risk of coronary heart disease. As a result, HDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as the “good” cholesterol.
Low HDL cholesterol levels are typically accompanied by an increase in blood triglyceride levels. Studies have shown that high triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease.
Causes and Risk Factors of Hyperlipidemia
Common secondary causes of hypercholesterolemia (specifically, high LDL cholesterol) include hypothyroidism (that is, low thyroid hormone levels), pregnancy, and kidney failure.
Common secondary causes of hypertriglyceridemia include diabetes, excess alcohol intake, obesity, and certain prescription medications (such as glucocorticoids and estrogen).
Hyperlipidemia, along with diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), positive family history, and smoking are all major risk factors for coronary heart disease.
Symptoms of Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia usually has no noticeable symptoms and tends to be discovered during routine examination or evaluation for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, deposits of cholesterol (known as xanthomas) may form under the skin (especially around the eyes or along the Achilles tendon) in individuals with familial forms of the disorder or in those with very high levels of cholesterol in the blood. Individuals with hypertriglyceridemia may develop numerous pimple-like lesions across their body. Extremely high levels of triglycerides may also result in pancreatitis, a severe inflammation of the pancreas that may be life-threatening.
Diagnosis of Hyperlipidemia
Diagnosis is typically based on medical history, physical examination, and blood tests (done after overnight fasting) in order to determine the specific levels of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
