What is Hypercholesterolemia?

Description of the disease

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition in which the level of cholesterol in the blood exceeds the norm. High cholesterol levels can lead to the development of serious cardiovascular diseases.

Classification

• Hypercholesterolemia type I (primitive hyperbetalipoproteinemia)
• Hypercholesterolemia type II (a) - familial hypercholesterolemia
• Hypercholesterolemia type II (b) - combined hypercholesterolemia
• Hypercholesterolemia type III (dysbetalipoproteinemia)
• Hypercholesterolemia type IV (hyperprebetalipoproteinemia)
• Hypercholesterolemia type V (hyperchylomicronemia)

Symptoms

In most cases, hypercholesterolemia does not present with symptoms. High cholesterol levels are usually detected through blood tests.

Causes

The causes of hypercholesterolemia may include genetic factors, poor diet, obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, diabetes.

Diagnosis

For the diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia, blood tests are conducted, including the levels of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL.

Treatment

Treatment for hypercholesterolemia may include lifestyle changes (proper diet, physical activity), taking medications (statins, fibrates, resins to lower cholesterol).

Prevention

Prevention of hypercholesterolemia includes a healthy lifestyle, proper diet, physical activity, and quitting smoking.

Doctor

A doctor specializing in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia is called a cardiologist or an endocrinologist.