Hyperlipidémie (cholestérol élevé)

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.

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Réponse rapide

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.

Symptômes

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 et facteurs de risque

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.

Facteurs de risque

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

Comment le diagnostic est-il posé ?

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.

Examens associés

Bilan lipidique

Traitement

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.

Quand consulter un médecin ?

Prévoyez une évaluation médicale si

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

Consultez en urgence si

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)

Prévention

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.

Questions fréquentes

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.

Spécialités associées

Services et examens associés

Bilan lipidique

Affections liées

Articles associés

Médicaments associés

Atorvastatine

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Sources médicales

Cette page résume des informations générales issues des sources ci-dessous.