Definition:

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This disorder occurs when you have too many fatty substances in your blood. Hyperlipidemia is medical term your doctor may use when your cholesterol and triglycerides are too high. This disorder can cause thickening and hardening of your arteries which can lead to heart disease.

Causes:

Your lifestyle can contribute to this disease. Fatty diets, inactivity, excessive alcohol and being overweight are just a few things that can increase your cholesterol levels. Other disease states (diabetes, kidney failure and cushings syndrome) may also add to your risk of getting hyperlipidemia.

Treatment:

The best way to diagnose high cholesterol is a simple blood test which can be done in your doctor’s office. This test breaks down the different types of fatty material in your blood allowing your doctor to assess your risk for heart disease. Medication may be prescribed to help lower your cholesterol levels.

Lifestyle changes also help lowering your cholesterol. Eating a low fat diet, exercising regularly, loosing excess weight and getting routine cholesterol screenings are ways to keep your cholesterol in check.

Smoking and high cholesterol also increase your risk for heart disease.