Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia is the result of too much cholesterol in the blood. Having high cholesterol for too long can increase your risk for coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack. High cholesterol can also increase your risk for stroke and peripheral artery disease (a common circulatory problem in which blood flow to your limbs, head and organs is reduced as a result of narrowed arteries).
Risk Factors
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Peripheral artery disease
- Previous heart attack or stroke
- Family history of coronary artery disease
- Diet high in unhealthy fats
- Age (men older than 45 years old, women older than 55 years old)
Diagnosis and Tests
Blood tests can determine your total cholesterol level, including your LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol levels, as well as your triglyceride levels.
Treatments
- Smoking cessation
- Avoiding foods with saturated fats (such as red meat, butter and cheese)
- Weight loss
- Exercising at least 3 times a week
- Medications