Diseases
hypercholesterolemia
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Hypercholesterolemia is a lipid disorder in which your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, is too high. This makes fat collect in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which puts you at a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
Symptoms
- there are no symptoms of hypercholesterolemia in most people
- however, if they have severe hypercholesterolemia
- they may have cholesterol deposits on their eyelid skin (xanthelasma)
Causes
- a diet that includes a lot of saturated and/or trans fats.
- a lack of exercise.
- tobacco products.
Risk factors
- diabetes.
- obstructive liver disease.
- hypothyroidism.
Diagnosis
- physical exam.
- a lipid panel blood test
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is hypercholesterolemia?
Hypercholesterolemia is a lipid disorder in which your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, is too high. This makes fat collect in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which puts you at a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
What are the symptoms of hypercholesterolemia?
there are no symptoms of hypercholesterolemia in most people, however, if they have severe hypercholesterolemia, they may have cholesterol deposits on their eyelid skin (xanthelasma)
What causes hypercholesterolemia?
a diet that includes a lot of saturated and/or trans fats.; a lack of exercise.; tobacco products.
Which medicines are used for hypercholesterolemia?
atorvastatin, chitosan, evolocumab, ezetimibe, fenofibrate, fenofibric acid, fluvastatin, gemfibrozil, inclisiran, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, red yeast rice, rosuvastatin, simvastatin
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