Hyperlipidemia

What is Hyperlipidemia?
Hyperlipidemia refers to increased levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Cholesterol can build up in your arteries and form plaque. As plaque builds up, your arteries become narrow, and less blood flows through. When plaque decreases blood flow to your heart, you may have chest pain. If plaque completely blocks an artery that carries blood to your heart, you may have a heart attack. Plaque buildup can also increase your risk of a stroke.

There are two main Types of cholesterol and Triglyceride:

• low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) 
• high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol)

The US National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends that all adults 20 years or older have a fasting lipid profile done. A lipid profile consists of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL- cholesterol and triglycerides. Experts recommend the lipid profile be repeated every 5 years if normal.
Ask your doctor for a baseline cholesterol test at age 20 and then have your cholesterol retested at least every five years.

Triglycerides
 High triglyceride levels are also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, Triglyceride levels are divided as follows:
• Normal - less than 150 mg/dL
• Borderline high - 150 to 199 mg/dL
Research found that for every 10 percentage points cholesterol was reduced, the risk of death from heart disease