Definition of Hyperlipidemia

The term hyperlipidemia describes the high levels of fatty substances called lipids in the blood. The lipids travel by attaching themselves to proteins, which is why it can also be called hyperlipoproteinemia.

Description

• The lipids are mostly cholesterol, which contributes to heart-related problems, and triglycerides, which are the most common form of fat. Thus hyperlipidermia can be divided into two subcategories: hypercholesterolemia (high level of cholesterol) and hypertriglyceridemia (high level of triglycerides).

Causes

• Pregnancy, kidney failure, diabetes, excess drinking and obesity are some of the causes of hyperlipidemia.

Symptoms

• People with hyperlipidemia may develop pimple-like lesions, pancreatitis or deposits of cholesterol (xanthomas) forming under the skin (usually around the eyes or along the Achilles tendon). However, a check-up for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is required to truly determine if you have hyperlipidemia.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of hyperlipidemia is usually based on medical history and physical examination, as well as blood tests---conducted with the patient not having anything to eat the day before---to figure out the level of lipids in the blood.

Treatment

• The first thing to do is to check for any medical problems that may lead to hyperlipidemia. Dietary changes will need to be made, as well as exercising regularly and losing weight. A host of medications--- statins (Lipitor and MEvacor), ezetimibe (Zetia) and nicotinic acid (Niacin)---are used to treat hyperlipidemia.