The most common manifestation of hyperlipidemia is high cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, indicating an excess of non-HDL cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein or "bad" cholesterol) in the blood.
The imbalance in cholesterol levels arises from a combination of elevated LDL cholesterol and inadequate HDL cholesterol to facilitate its removal. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol plays a crucial role in regulating cholesterol levels, preventing imbalances that could increase the risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease.
Elevated cholesterol levels (borderline high at 200 mg/dL to 239 mg/dL, and high at 240 mg/dL) pose health risks by creating blockages in the arterial pathways through which blood circulates in the body. This situation encourages the accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries, raising the probability of blockages.
Uncontrolled hyperlipidemia can lead to serious consequences, permitting the buildup of plaque inside blood vessels. Other variations include hypertriglyceridemia and mixed hyperlipidemia, where both cholesterol and triglyceride levels are elevated.
Certain foods that contain cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fats contribute to heightened blood cholesterol levels. Examples include cheese, egg yolks, fried and processed foods, ice cream, pastries, and red meat.
High Cholesterol Overview
