A group of disorders characterized by an excess of fatty substances, such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins, in theblood.

Forms of lipids in the blood are cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins, which are molecules of fat and cholesterol linked toprotein. Types of lipoproteins are: very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) , low-density lipoproteins (LDL) andintermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL). Chylomicrons are also classified as lipoproteins and are composed of triglycerides,cholesterol and protein. There are also high-density lipoproteins (HDL) that are inversely related to heart disease risk and aretherefore known as "antirisk" factors. The incidence is 1 out of 100 people and is higher among men than women.

Hyperlipidemia is caused by excess lipids or fatty substances in the blood and is an important risk factor in developingatherosclerosis and heart disease . Hyperlipidemia may be caused by genetic factors, as in certain familial diseases, or bysecondary factors in acquired hyperlipidemia.There are 6 types of hyperlipidemia which are differentiated by the type(s) of lipids that are elevated in the blood. Some of thetypes may be due to a primary disorder such as a familial hyperlipidemia, and some are due to secondary causes. Secondarycauses of hyperlipidemia are related to diseases associated with hyperlipidemia, dietary risk factors, and drugs associated withhyperlipidemia.Disease risk factors are a history of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus,hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and certain types of renal failure . Drug risk factors are birth control pills ; hormones suchas estrogen and corticosteroids; certain diuretics ; and beta-blockers . Dietary risk factors are dietary fat intake per total caloriesgreater than 40%; saturated fat intake per total calories greater than 10%; cholesterol intake greater than 300 milligrams perday; habitual excessive alcohol use ; and obesity .

Screening for hyperlipidemia should be a part of a routine health evaluation for people between 20 and 30 years old. Reducingdietary risk factors by maintaining ideal body weight, eating a well balanced, low fat diet, and limiting cholesterol intake willhelp prevent the onset of hyperlipidemia.