High Cholesterol Overview

Hyperlipidemia, also known as dyslipidemia or high cholesterol, is a condition marked by abnormally high levels of fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream. Lipids encompass a range of components, including cholesterol levels, lipoproteins, chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL, apolipoproteins, and HDL.

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

Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia is a family of disorders that are characterized by abnormally high levels of lipids in the blood. This condition is also called hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipoproteinemia. It is a very common disorder, especially in the Western hemisphere, but also throughout the world.

While fats play a vital role in the body’s metabolic processes, high blood levels of fats increase the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Hyperlipidemia is a major cause of atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis related conditions like coronary heart disease (CHD), ischemic cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease and pancreatitis.

The increase in lipids like low density lipoproteins (LDL), cholesterol (esters derivatives) and triglycerides are mainly responsible for this condition. Cholesterol, saturated fat, trans fat in the following food may raise the lipid level in blood:
• Dairy products.
• Ice cream pastries.
• Fried and junk foods.
• Meat

Several other causes of hyperlipidemia
• Obesity.
• Genetic or inheritance.
• Smoking.

Hyperlipidemia can be classified on the basis of lipid type:
*Hypercholesterolemia-In this the level of cholesterol is elevated.
*Hypertriglyceridemia-It is defined as an elevated level of triglycerides.

Hyperlipidemia disease has afflicted humankind since antiquity. Hyperlipidemia is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol and triglycerides together make it difficult for blood to pass by narrowing the blood vessels.

Complications of hyperlipidemia:
*Atherosclerosis
*Coronary Artery Disease
*Myocardial Infarction
*Angina Pectoris
*Ischemic stroke or Cerebrovascular Accident
Hyperlipidemia