Dyslipidemia is change in the normal lipid concentrations in the blood.
- In particular, hypercholesterolemia is a major cause of increased atherogenic risk, leading to atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis-associated conditions, such as coronary heart disease, ischemic cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease.
- Both genetic disorders and diets enriched in saturated fat and cholesterol contribute to the elevated lipid levels in a considerable part of the population of developed countries.
- Hypertriglyceridemia, when severe, may cause pancreatitis. Moderately elevated levels of triglycerides are often associated with a syndrome distinguished by insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension and substantially increased risk of coronary heart disease.
- Hypercholesterolemia, especially, requires treatment either by diet and/or with lipidlowering drugs (e.g. statins, anion exchange resins).