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The Prognosis of Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipedemia is a condition characterized by an increased amount of fats (lipids) present in the bloodstream. The prognosis (outlook) for the condition varies according to a number of different factors.

  1. The Facts

    • The American Heart Association reports that the lipids contained in the bloodstream include cholesterol, triglycerides, cholesterol compounds (esters) and phospholipids. Terms applied to various forms of hyperlipedemia include hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperlipoproteinemia.

    Successful Outcomes

    • Successful outcomes for hyperlipedemia depend upon lowering levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, notes the Society for Vascular Surgery.

    Treatment Factors

    • The Society for Vascular Surgery notes that treatments for hyperlipedemia vary according to factors that include heart disease risk, lipid levels and a patient's overall health.

    Treatment Options

    • Potential treatments for lipid disorders include dietary changes, weight loss, regular exercise, quitting smoking, medications and periodic lipid screenings, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Unsuccessful Outcomes

    • The U.S. National Library of Medicine cites potential outcomes of unsuccessful high cholesterol treatment that include coronary artery disease, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attack, stroke and death. Unsuccessful treatment for high triglycerides can result in pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis).

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