Hyperlipidemia: Understanding Elevated Cholesterol and Lipids

Hyperlipidemia is the medical term for abnormally elevated levels of lipids—cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins—in the blood plasma. These fats are essential for normal bodily functions, but when present in excess, they contribute to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

Types of Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia is classified by which lipid fraction is elevated:

• Hypercholesterolemia: High low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
• Hypertriglyceridemia: High triglyceride levels.
• Mixed hyperlipidemia: Elevations in both cholesterol and triglycerides.

Causes and Risk Factors

Primary (genetic) causes include familial hypercholesterolemia. Secondary causes are far more common and include:

• Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates
• Obesity and physical inactivity
• Diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney or liver disease
• Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, beta-blockers, corticosteroids)
• Excessive alcohol intake

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosis is made via a fasting lipid panel. Management focuses on lifestyle modification—heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, weight loss, and smoking cessation—and, when indicated, pharmacotherapy such as statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, or fibrates.