What is dyslipidemia?

Dyslipidemia refers to unhealthy levels of one or more kinds of lipid—high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides—in your blood. Someone experiencing dyslipidemia usually has higher LDL or triglyceride levels or lower HDL levels.

LDL cholesterol is known as the “bad” cholesterol because it can build up and form plaque on the walls of arteries. Too much plaque buildup can cause a heart attack. HDL cholesterol breaks down LDL cholesterol, making it known as “good” cholesterol.

How does the body get cholesterol?

The liver uses stored fats, sugars, and proteins to make about 80% of the cholesterol the body needs in order to make hormones, help metabolism to work correctly, and produce vitamin D. The other 20% of cholesterol needed comes from food eaten, so eat heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Much like hypertension, high cholesterol doesn’t have obvious symptoms. However, dyslipidemia can lead to serious heart conditions, like coronary artery disease. High cholesterol is discovered through routine blood work, which you can begin at age 20.

Primary: caused by genetic factors

• Familial combined hyperlipidemia: develops in teenagers and young adults
• Familial hyperapobetalipoproteinemia: a mutation in a group of LDL lipoproteins called apolipoproteins.
• Familial hypertriglyceridemia: leads to high triglyceride levels.
• Homozygous familial: a mutation in LDL receptors

Secondary: caused by lifestyle factors or other medical conditions

• Lifestyle behaviors
  • Smoking
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Consuming foods high in saturated and trans fats
• Other medical conditions
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Chronic kidney disease

• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Lack of physical activity
• Alcohol and/or tobacco use
• Use of illegal or illicit drugs
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Type 2 diabetes
• Hypothyroidism
• Chronic kidney or liver conditions
• Digestive conditions
• Aging
• Family history
• Female sex

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Follow a heart-healthy diet
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid smoking