Chronic Disease Management

Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia is the medical term for High Cholesterol.  Cholesterol is made up of 3 main components:  LDL ("bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol), and triglycerides.  LDL is the main cholesterol carrier.  It forms plaques in arteries which blocks blood flow to the heart, brain, and the rest of the body.  HDL moves cholesterol from arteries to the liver for metabolism.  A high level of LDL corresponds to a higher risk of coronary artery disease.  Similarly, a high level of HDL corresponds to a lower risk of coronary artery disease.

You should have your cholesterol tested by your physician yearly.  Your physician may recommend that you have it tested more often if you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, or if you have any of the following risk factors:

• Family history of high cholesterol
• Older age
• High saturated fat diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• If you smoke
• High blood pressure

Left untreated, high cholesterol can lead to coronary heart disease.  If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, you and your physician will find a treatment that's right for you.  Usually treatment consists of diet changes, exercise, and sometimes medication.