Health risks of hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia is a group of disorders characterized by abnormally high levels of lipids in the blood. These lipids include cholesterol, cholesterol esters, phospholipids, and triglycerides. Abnormal levels of lipids, especially low density lipoprotein (LDL) and/or triglycerides, can lead to long term problems such as atherosclerosis.
Review Date: 1/1/2023
Reviewed By: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Internal review and update on 02/19/2024 by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.