Hyperlipidemia defines an elevated level of lipids — like cholesterol and triglycerides — in your blood. Doctors link this disease to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and other serious conditions like heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
On this page:
What Is Hyperlipidemia?
Lipids — like cholesterol and triglycerides — are a type of fat in the blood. You need lipids to function, but too much of this fat puts you at risk for certain health problems.
People with too much cholesterol and triglycerides have hyperlipidemia, which can increase their risk of:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Artery disease
What are the types of hyperlipidemia?
- Acquired hyperlipidemia — May be from certain behaviors you do (or don't do). Other times, medicine or other health problems can cause the disease. Some people acquire it from their parents.
- Familial hypercholesterolemia — One type of genetic hyperlipidemia. A change in the gene that moves cholesterol out of the body instead causes it to build up on the artery walls.
- Familial hypertriglyceridemia — Another type of genetic hyperlipidemia. It causes triglyceride levels to become too high.
What causes hyperlipidemia?
Acquired hyperlipidemia has a few possible causes:
- Eating a high-fat diet.
- Being inactive or not getting enough exercise.
- Being obese.
- Having another disease, like diabetes.
- Menopause in women.
Familial hyperlipidemias occur when a parent passes on the genes that cause these conditions.
Hyperlipidemia risk factors
Anyone can be at risk for acquired hyperlipidemia, but it often occurs in people who:
- Are overweight and idle.
- Have other health issues.
- Take certain drugs.
You're at risk for genetic hyperlipidemia if a family member has it. If so, you should have a test for the disease.
Complications of hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia can cause fatty deposits, known as plaque, to build up on the body's blood vessel walls.
Plaque can cause problems such as:
- Atherosclerosis, or hardened arteries.
- Coronary heart disease, or when blood vessels can't provide enough oxygen to the heart.
- Heart attack.
- Stroke.
- Peripheral artery disease, or disease in the vessels of the arms or legs.
What Are the Signs And Symptoms Of Hyperlipidemia?
If you have hyperlipidemia, you might not have any symptoms.
But, as it gets worse, you might notice:
- Chest pain.
- Confusion or trouble speaking.
- Leg cramps, mostly in your calves.
- Pain in your feet or toes.
- Trouble breathing, or shortness of breath when you're active.
- Weakness, often in your arm.
How Do You Diagnose Hyperlipidemia?
Providers at UPMC use blood tests to diagnose hyperlipidemia.
They'll also ask you about your family history and any other health problems you have.
How Do You Treat Hyperlipidemia?
Doctors might suggest lifestyle changes, such as being more active and eating healthier foods.
At your first visit, you'll meet with our:
- Food and nutrition expert — To discuss your current diet and changes you should make.
- Pharmacist — To look at your current meds and any new drugs that might be right for you.
- Heart doctor — To learn about your health and family history and go over any test results.
Your care team will then design a hyperlipidemia treatment plan that supports your health goals. It might also include follow-up visits with other UPMC experts.
What is the first-line treatment for triglycerides?
First-line treatment for triglycerides may include lifestyle changes, such as:
- Controlling blood sugar if you have diabetes.
- Eating a heart-healthy diet.
- Exercising.
- Limiting alcohol intake.
- Losing weight.
- Lowering high blood pressure.
- Quitting tobacco use.
Your provider may also prescribe medication to lower lipid levels.
What can I take to lower cholesterol and triglycerides?
In addition to lifestyle modifications, your doctor may recommend medications, including:
- Cholesterol absorption inhibitor.
- Citrate lyase inhibitors.
- Fibrates.
- Niacin.
- Omega-3 fatty acids.
- PCSK9 inhibitors.
- Statins.
What is the best medication for high cholesterol and triglycerides?
Your doctor will consider your overall health, lipid levels, and other factors before recommending the cholesterol medication that is best for you.
Which cholesterol drug is safest?
Your doctor will consider your overall health, lipid levels, medication interactions, and other factors before recommending a medication that is safe for you. Your doctor will also schedule follow-up visits to ensure your medication is working effectively and to discuss any side effects or other concerns you may have.
Is there a downside to taking statins?
Statins lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. However, they can cause side effects, including:
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- High blood sugar.
- Liver damage.
- Muscle pain.
- Nausea.
- Stomach pain or cramps.
Do statins cause weight gain?
There is currently no research that links statins to weight gain.
