Hyperlipidemia (High Cholesterol)
ارتفاع الكوليسترول
Elevated levels of cholesterol and/or triglycerides in the blood, a major modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease and stroke. Usually causes no symptoms itself and is detected through a blood test (lipid profile); managed with diet, exercise, and, when needed, medication.
This information is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Quick answer
Hyperlipidemia means high levels of fats in the blood — most often high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, high triglycerides, or both. It is a major, modifiable risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
It usually causes no symptoms, so it is found with a blood test called a lipid profile. Some inherited forms can cause visible signs such as fatty deposits in the skin or around the eyes.
Management is based on diet, physical activity and weight control, plus medicines when the overall risk calls for it — decided by your doctor. Ask about a lipid check if you have risk factors or a family history.
Symptoms
Usually no symptoms
High cholesterol is detected by a blood test, not by how you feel.
Fatty deposits under the skin
Yellowish lumps on tendons or around the eyes can occur in some inherited forms.
Symptoms of related disease
Chest pain on exertion or leg pain on walking can reflect narrowed arteries — a consequence of long-term high cholesterol, not of the cholesterol itself.
Very high triglycerides
Can rarely cause severe abdominal pain from pancreatitis.
Causes and risk factors
Causes
- Diet high in saturated fat — Large amounts of saturated fat and processed foods can raise LDL cholesterol.
- Excess weight and inactivity — Both raise triglycerides and can lower “good” HDL cholesterol.
- Inherited conditions — Familial hypercholesterolaemia causes very high cholesterol from a young age.
- Other medical conditions — Diabetes, an underactive thyroid, kidney or liver disease can raise blood fats.
- Certain medicines — Some drugs can affect cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Risk factors
- Family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease
- Overweight or obesity
- Diabetes or prediabetes
- Smoking and high alcohol intake
- Physical inactivity
- Age and menopause
How is it diagnosed?
Hyperlipidemia is diagnosed with a blood test. Your doctor combines the result with your other risk factors to decide what to do.
Lipid profile
Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. It may require fasting, depending on the laboratory and your doctor's advice.
Risk assessment
Age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and family history are used to estimate your overall heart and stroke risk.
Tests for underlying causes
Blood tests for blood sugar, thyroid, liver and kidney function may be requested.
Related tests
Treatment
The goal is to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. The right approach depends on your cholesterol levels and your overall cardiovascular risk, and is decided by your doctor.
Heart-healthy eating
Less saturated fat and processed food; more vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes and fish.
Physical activity and weight control
Regular activity and a healthy weight improve cholesterol and triglycerides.
Stop smoking and limit alcohol
Medicines
Cholesterol-lowering medicines are prescribed when risk is high or lifestyle changes are not enough. The type and dose are set by the treating doctor.
Regular re-testing
Repeat blood tests show how well the plan is working.
Do not start, stop or change cholesterol medicines without medical advice.
When should you see a doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if
- You have a family history of very high cholesterol or early heart disease
- You have never had a lipid test and are an adult with risk factors
- You have diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney disease
- Yellowish deposits on the skin, eyelids or tendons
- Muscle pain or weakness after starting cholesterol medicine
Seek urgent care if
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness
- Shortness of breath with chest discomfort
- Sudden weakness, facial droop or difficulty speaking
- Severe, persistent abdominal pain (with very high triglycerides)
Prevention
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Limit saturated fat, fried and processed foods.
Be active most days
Keep a healthy weight
Don't smoke
Have your cholesterol checked
Especially if you have risk factors or a family history.
Frequently asked questions
What is hyperlipidemia?
It means abnormally high levels of fats — cholesterol and/or triglycerides — in the blood.
Does high cholesterol cause symptoms?
Usually not. It is found through a blood test, which is why screening matters.
What is the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol?
LDL is often called “bad” cholesterol because high levels contribute to fatty build-up in arteries. HDL is “good” cholesterol, which helps remove cholesterol from the blood.
Do I need to fast before a lipid test?
It depends on the laboratory and your doctor's advice. Follow the instructions you are given when the test is ordered.
Can I lower cholesterol without medicine?
For many people, diet, activity and weight control make a real difference. Whether medicine is also needed depends on your overall risk, which your doctor will assess.
Why does high cholesterol matter?
Over time, high LDL cholesterol contributes to narrowing of the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
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- Cholesterol: Normal Ranges, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides, and When to See a Doctor
- HDL Cholesterol: Normal Levels, Low and High HDL, and What Your Results Mean
- LDL Cholesterol: Normal Range
- Normal Cholesterol Levels: LDL, HDL, Total Cholesterol, and Triglycerides
- Triglycerides: Normal Range and Causes of High Levels
- How to Lower Cholesterol
- Symptoms of High Cholesterol
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Medical sources
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