High LDL cholesterol levels and hyperlipidemia increase your risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Cardiovascular disease cost Americans more than $500 billion in health care and associated costs in 2010, according to HealthyPeople.gov. Heart attack and stroke are the first- and third-leading causes, respectively, of death in the United States. Prevention and control of high LDL cholesterol and hyperlipidemia greatly reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and the incidence of heart attack and stroke.
Definition
The definition of hyperlipidemia is high levels of lipids, or a group of fats, in the blood. Lipids include cholesterol, cholesterol compounds called esters, triglycerides and phospholipids. These lipids are not soluble in the watery base of blood. The body overcomes this by packaging them onto various lipoproteins, which have a special coating that allows them to flow through the bloodstream.
Lipoproteins
Scientists classify lipoproteins according to density. There are five major classes of lipoproteins, according to the American Heart Association: LDL, VLDL, HDL, IDL and chylomicrons. Low density lipoproteins, or LDL, are most closely associated with heart disease. VLDL, or very-low-density lipoprotein, transports triglycerides in the bloodstream to provide instant energy to muscles.
Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia generally means your cholesterol and triglycerides are too high, but there are specific types of hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipoproteinemia is a type of hyperlipidemia in which lipoprotein levels are at unhealthy levels. Hypercholesterolemia means cholesterol levels are too high. A patient with hypertriglyceridemia has high triglycerides.
Levels
Healthy total cholesterol measures 200 mg/dL or less. LDL levels should be less than 100 mg/dL. Triglyceride levels above 150 are unhealthy. High levels of HDL are best. HDL levels of 60 mg/dL are healthiest.
Risks
High LDL cholesterol and hyperlipidemia are associated with increased risk for developing heart disease. Excess cholesterol and other fatty substances accumulate inside artery walls. This accumulation prevents blood from flowing properly to vital organs, such as the kidney, brain or heart. There are no symptoms of increasing LDL cholesterol and lipids. A blood test is the only way to detect high LDL cholesterol and hyperlipidemia.
Causes
LDL cholesterol tends to increase with age, according to The Merck Manuals Home Edition. A hig-fat, high-cholesterol diet contributes to high LDL and hyperlipidemia. Genetics, medical disorders and some medications can cause a lipid and cholesterol imbalance.
Treatment
A person can control high LDL cholesterol levels and hyperlipidemia with weight loss; a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet; increased exercise; and smoking cessation. Reduce alcohol consumption, as alcohol raises triglyceride levels dramatically. If diet, exercise and lifestyle changes do not control high cholesterol and hyperlipidemia, a doctor may order niacin, statins or fibrates.
