Hyperlipidemia is a high level of fats in the blood. These fats, called lipids, include cholesterol and triglycerides. There are five types of hyperlipidemia. The type depends on which lipid in the blood is high.

Causes may include:

• A family history of hyperlipidemia
• A diet high in total fat, saturated fat, or cholesterol
• Obesity
• Certain conditions, including:
  • Diabetes
  • Low thyroid
  • Kidney problems
  • Liver disease
  • Cushing's syndrome
• Certain drugs, such as:
  • Hormones or birth control pills
  • Beta-blockers
  • Some diuretics
  • Cortisone drugs
  • Isotretinoin (for acne )
  • Some anti- HIV drugs

These factors increase your chance of developing this condition. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:

• Advancing age
• Sex: male
• Postmenopause
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Stress
• Overuse of alcohol

Hyperlipidemia usually does not cause symptoms. Very high levels of lipids or triglycerides can cause:

• Fat deposits in the skin or tendons ( xanthomas )
• Pain, enlargement, or swelling of organs such as the liver, spleen, or pancreas ( pancreatitis )
• Obstruction of blood vessels in heart and brain

If not treated, high lipids can cause:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

This condition is diagnosed with blood tests. These tests measure the levels of lipids in the blood. The National Cholesterol Education Program advises that you have your lipids checked at least once every five years, starting at age 20. Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends lipid screening for children at risk (eg, a family history of hyperlipidemia).

Testing may consist of a fasting blood test for:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL (bad cholesterol)
• HDL (good cholesterol)
• Triglycerides

Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier testing if you have:

• Family history of hyperlipidemia
• Risk factor or disease that may cause hyperlipidemia
• Complication that may result from hyperlipidemia

Diet, lifestyle changes, and medication can help treat hyperlipidemia.

• Eat a diet low in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol .
• Reduce or eliminate the amount of alcohol you drink.
• Eat more high-fiber foods.

• If you are overweight, lose weight .
• If you smoke, quit .
• Exercise regularly . Talk to you doctor before starting an exercise program. You may already have hardening of the arteries or heart disease. These conditions increase your risk of having a heart attack while exercising.

There are a number of drugs available, such as statins , to treat this condition. Talk to your doctor.