High blood cholesterol and triglycerides

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Cholesterol producers

Coronary artery disease

Lipid disorders happen when you have too many fatty substances in your blood. These substances include cholesterol and triglycerides. Having a lipid disorder makes you more likely to develop atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Lipid disorders; Hyperlipoproteinemia; Hyperlipidemia; Dyslipidemia; Hypercholesterolemia

Cholesterol can be joined to fat and protein at different quantities. Two main types of cholesterol include:

• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) -- often called "bad" cholesterol
• High-density lipoproteins (HDL) -- often called "good" cholesterol

In general, you want your LDL to be LOW, and your HDL to be HIGH.

High cholesterol and other lipid disorders can be inherited (genetic) or associated with:

• Fatty diets
• Diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and kidney failure
• Certain medications, including birth control pills, estrogen, corticosteroids, certain diuretics, and beta-blockers
• Lifestyle factors, including regular, excessive alcohol use and lack of exercise, leading to obesity

People who smoke and also have high cholesterol are at even greater risk for heart disease. Lipid disorders are more common in men than women.

Review Date: 10/24/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel R Alexander, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.