Hyperlipidemia (HLD) is the clinical term for an imbalance of LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides. These are blood fats (lipids) that are important to cellular health and metabolism at normal levels.

However, they can raise the risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular problems when levels of LDL and triglycerides get too high and HDL levels sink too low.

Even though HLD is a potentially serious threat to your health, there are usually few if any symptoms. HLD can be identified in a simple blood test before any complications develop. Once its diagnosed, a combination of medications and healthy lifestyle adjustments can often bring your levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides into a normal range.

HLD refers to having an imbalance of the cholesterol levels in your blood that can lead to serious heart conditions.

Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. You want to keep LDL and triglyceride levels low, while HDL levels are healthier if theyre higher.

This is because LDL contributes to atherosclerosis, a narrowing of your arteries caused by plaque buildup. Plaques that form along your arterial walls are made up of cholesterol, fats, and other substances. More plaque means your arteries are less flexible and that blood flow is reduced.

Thats why LDL cholesterol is called the bad cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, so its nicknamed the good cholesterol.

A 2016 study suggests that one of the big threats triglycerides pose to your vascular health is that elevated levels can contribute to inflammation that damages the blood vessels.

While theres no specific number or set of numbers that define HLD, a measurement called total cholesterol is often used to determine when an individual is at particularly high risk of complications.

Total cholesterol is computed by adding your LDL and HDL levels, plus 20% of your triglyceride levels. A borderline high or high total cholesterol level suggests hyperlipidemia.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) uses the following readings to determine when lipid levels are becoming concerning:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 94 million Americans have total cholesterol levels higher than 200 mg/dL.

HLD can be an inherited condition, though certain lifestyle behaviors may also contribute to high cholesterol. Those factors include:

HLD itself doesnt have noticeable symptoms. However, a type of HLD called HTG or abnormally high levels of triglycerides is a major contributor to pancreatitis, the painful inflammation of your pancreas. A 2019 study suggests that the pancreatitis-associated risk of severe health problems and mortality is significantly higher in people with HTG and diabetes.

HLD can also cause atherosclerosis. While it doesnt cause any noticeable symptoms either, its a major risk factor for:

Before a major event occurs, reduced blood flow in your arteries can cause pain. For example, when the heart muscle becomes starved of a sufficient flow of oxygenated blood, the chest pain that results is known as angina.

PAD occurs when blood flow is decreased in the extremities usually your lower legs. The main symptoms include pain when walking or standing for too long. This is called claudication, and it usually subsides with rest. HLD could be connected to these symptoms as well.

A 2019 article suggests that HLD should always be considered a lifelong risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and treatment should begin at the earliest signs of HLD, not later on when substantial plaque buildup has already taken place.

While the risks posed by cholesterol imbalances can be reason for concern, there are also several things you can do to adjust your cholesterol levels at home and with a doctor. Some of the main treatment options include:

HLD is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The condition can be present without you knowing about it, as it frequently presents no symptoms. Thats why its important to work with a doctor and have your cholesterol levels checked annually or more frequently if your doctor recommends it.

If you can keep your cholesterol levels in a normal range, you may be able to avoid symptoms such as angina or claudication, or more serious complications such as a heart attack or stroke.

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Learn HLD Symptoms and Other Signs of High Cholesterol - Healthline