Hyperlipidemia is a family of disorders characterized by very high levels of fats in the blood. There are two common lipid abnormalities: hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol levels) and hypertriglyceridemia (high blood levels of triglycerides). Although fats play a vital role in metabolic processes, excessive lipids in the blood raise the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and heart attack.


1. What Are Lipids?

Lipids are fats. Although we need a certain number of lipids to ensure proper bodily function, high levels in the blood can result in severe health conditions. Hyperlipidemia describes high levels of triglycerides and cholesterols in the blood. There are two main types of cholesterol: high-density lipoproteins (HDL), often called the "good" kind, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), often called the "bad." A high level of HDL may help reduce plaque buildup in the blood vessels. High levels of triglycerides can also cause plaque buildup.

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