WHAT IS Hyperlipidemia?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the fats in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to continue building healthy cells. However, when cholesterol levels are too high, fatty deposits develop in your blood vessels. This makes it difficult for blood to flow through your arteries. Your risk of heart attack and stoke is greater because it is harder to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the heart and brain. 

Statistics

According to the American Heart Association, 95 million U.S. adults age 20 or older have total cholesterol levels higher than 200 mg/dL.1 The desirable level is less than 200 mg/dL. Since high cholesterol has no symptoms, many people do not know that they are at risk.

​

Types of Cholesterol

What can high cholesterol Cause?

There are two types of cholesterol: HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein. Because this type of cholesterol has been shown to lower risk for heart attack and stroke, it is called the “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol picks up excess cholesterol and brings it back to your liver. The higher your HDL levels are, the better. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, on the other hand, is called the “bad” cholesterol because it is responsible for transporting cholesterol throughout your body. LDL cholesterol contributes to fatty buildups in the walls of your arteries. The lower your LDL levels are, the better.

The #1 leading cause of death in the U.S. is heart disease, which can result from hyperlipidemia. High levels of cholesterol in your body cause the build-up of plaque, fatty acids, and cholesterol in your arteries. This build-up over time causes hardening of the arteries called atherosclerosis. This reduces blood flow and requires the cardiovascular system to work harder. Clots can also form, which blocks blood flow and can result in heart attack or stroke.

---

Standard Ranges*

• Total Cholesterol Level
• HDL Level
• LDL Level
• Triglyceride Levels

<

>

Desirable

Borderline

High Risk

Less than 200 mg/dL

200 – 239 mg/dL

240 mg/dL and above

*single readings are subject to error and a variety of factors. Details should be discussed with a healthcare professional

Desirable

Moderate Risk
​

High Risk

Greater than 60 mg/dL

Men: 40-59 mg/dL
​Women: 50-59 mg/dL

Men: Under 40 mg/dL
Women: Under 50 mg/dL

*single readings are subject to error and a variety of factors. Details should be discussed with a healthcare professional

Desirable

Near Desirable

Moderate Risk

High risk

less than 100 mg/dL

100 – 129 mg/dL

130 – 159 mg/dL

160 mg/dL or higher

*single readings are subject to error and a variety of factors. Details should be discussed with a healthcare professional

Normal

Moderate Risk

High Risk

Less than 150 mg/dL

150 – 199 mg/dL

200 – 499 mg/dL

*single readings are subject to error and a variety of factors. Details should be discussed with a healthcare professional

HOW CAN I LOWER MY

​HIGHCHOLESTEROL?

Weight loss, physical activity, avoiding tobacco use, and eating heart-healthy foods are very effective ways to lower high cholesterol. Foods low in saturated fat and trans fat will help reduce the build-up of cholesterol in your body. Even though these steps are very effective, sometimes doctors may prescribe medications to aid in lowering cholesterol levels.

---

How can IMSS help?

Due to the complications of hyperlipidemia, it is very important to be aware of your cholesterol levels. Early detection of high levels allows you to take preventative steps to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. IMSS uses a CardioChek® machine to find the lipoprotein profile of your blood. This machine analyzes a sample of blood and gives a reading of your cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels. A healthcare professional at our screening events will be able to interpret these readings and give advice on how to keep these at a healthy level.

References:

• American Heart Association
  
• Mayo Clinic
  
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute