High Cholesterol: Introduction

High cholesterol, also called hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia, is a very common condition in which the level of total cholesterol in the blood is higher than normal. High cholesterol is a serious condition and increases the risk of developing such life-threatening diseases as heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy, fat-like substance that is present in the blood and in the body's cells. It is both made by the body itself and is also brought into the body through eating certain foods such as animal meats, which contains various levels of cholesterol.

Cholesterol is comprised primarily of three components, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. These components of cholesterol are a necessary element in the proper functioning of the body. When the HDL, LDL, and triglycerides are present in the right levels and balance in the body, cholesterol functions to protect health, including cardiovascular health.

However, when the total cholesterol levels become too high, and the levels and balance of HDL, LDL, and triglycerides in the body are not normal, it can result in the buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries and increase the risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. These include atherosclerosis, heart disease, blood clots, hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and men in the United States, and more than a million Americans have myocardial infarctions, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute.

There generally are no symptoms of high cholesterol until complications develop. For more information on symptoms and complications, refer to symptoms of high cholesterol.

Making a diagnosis of high cholesterol includes completing a complete medical evaluation and history and physical examination. Diagnostic testing includes a blood test that measures cholesterol levels. Cholesterol testing primarily measures the total amount of cholesterol and the three components of cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides.

However, blood cholesterol levels are only one aspect that can help determine a person's total risk for developing cardiovascular disease. A comprehensive evaluation from a licensed health care professional includes compiling and analyzing many factors that impact cardiovascular disease risk. These include lifestyle, family history, personal history, dietary habits, weight, blood pressure, stress levels, and smoking/drinking habits. Other tests, including blood tests, EKG, and imaging tests, such as heart scans, are also evaluated to assess risk and if any complications of high cholesterol have developed.

It is very possible that a diagnosis of high cholesterol can be missed or delayed because there are generally no symptoms. For more information on misdiagnosis, refer to misdiagnosis of high cholesterol.

High cholesterol can be successfully treated with an individualized treatment plan that best fits the individual case of high cholesterol and a person's life style. Treatment generally involves regular medical monitoring and cholesterol testing and lifestyle and dietary changes. Treatment may also include medication for some people who are unable to normalize their cholesterol levels through diet and lifestyle changes. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of high cholesterol. ...more »

High Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy, fat-like substance that is present in your blood and in the body's cells. It is both made by the body itself and brought into the body through eating foods such as animal meats, which contains various levels of cholesterol. Cholesterol is a necessary element in the proper functioning of your body. However, when cholesterol levels become too high, they can result in the buildup of plaque on the walls of the arteries and block the flow of blood to vital organs. This can lead to the development of serious conditions, such as atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries), blood clots, hypertension, heart disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction), and stroke. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and men in the United States. More than a million Americans have heart attacks, and about a half million people die from heart disease every year, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood institute.

Cholesterol is comprised primarily of three components, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. When the levels and balance of HDL, LDL, and triglycerides in your body are not normal, they increase the risk for developing serious cardiovascular conditions. When the HDL and LDL triglycerides are present in the right levels and balance in your body, cholesterol functions to protect health, including cardiovascular health. High cholesterol is also known as hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia.

Symptoms:

There are generally no symptoms of high cholesterol. Likewise, people with normal cholesterol levels generally do not feel any better than people with high cholesterol levels. The only way to detect high cholesterol and determine how it impacts a person's total risk for cardiovascular disease is through a comprehensive evaluation from a licensed physician or health care professional.

Serious complications of high cholesterol include atherosclerosis, heart disease, blood clots, hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke....more about High Cholesterol »

High Cholesterol symptoms: There are generally no symptoms of high cholesterol. Likewise, people with normal cholesterol levels generally do not feel any better than people with high cholesterol levels. The only way to detect high cholesterol and determine how it impacts your total risk for cardiovascular disease is through a comprehensive evaluation from a qualified health care professional