Alternative Names
Lipid disorders; Hyperlipoproteinemia; Hyperlipidemia; Dyslipidemia; Hypercholesterolemia
Definition of High blood cholesterol and triglycerides
The medical term for high blood cholesterol and triglycerides is lipid disorder. Such a disorder occurs when you have too many fatty substances in your blood. These substances include cholesterol and .
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
A lipid disorder increases your risk for , and thus for , stroke, high blood pressure (hypertension), and other problems.
Signs and tests
See for information on when to be tested.
Treatment
Treatment depends on your age, health history, if you smoke, and other risk factors for heart disease, such as:
Expectations (prognosis)
If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, you will probably need to continue lifestyle changes and drug treatment throughout your life. Periodic monitoring of your cholesterol blood levels may be necessary. Reducing high cholesterol levels will slow the progression of atherosclerosis.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 5/25/2010
