Hypercholesterolemia is a condition characterized
by very high levels of cholesterol in the blood.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is
produced in the body and obtained from foods that
come from animals (particularly egg yolks, meat,
poultry, fish, and dairy products). The body needs
this substance to build cell membranes, make certain
hormones, and produce compounds that aid in fat
digestion. Too much cholesterol, however, increases
a person's risk of developing heart disease.
People with hypercholesterolemia have a high risk
of developing a form of
heart disease called
coronary artery disease. This condition occurs when
excess cholesterol in the bloodstream is deposited
in the walls of blood vessels, particularly in the
arteries that supply blood to the heart (coronary
arteries).
The abnormal buildup of cholesterol forms clumps
(plaque) that narrow and harden artery walls. As the
clumps get bigger, they can clog the arteries and
restrict the flow of blood to the heart. The buildup
of plaque in coronary arteries causes a form of
chest pain called angina and greatly increases a
person's risk of having a heart attack.
More than 34 million
American adults have elevated blood cholesterol levels (higher than 240 mg/dL).
Inherited forms of hypercholes-terolemia, which cause even higher levels of
cholesterol, occur less frequently. The most common inherited form of high
cholesterol is called familial hypercholesterolemia. This condition affects
about 1 in 500 people in most countries.
High blood cholesterol
levels typically result from a combination of genetic and environmental risk
factors. Lifestyle choices including diet, exercise, and tobacco smoking
strongly influence the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Additional factors
that impact cholesterol levels include a person's gender, age, and health
problems such as diabetes and obesity.
Most cases of high cholesterol are not caused by
a single inherited condition, but result from a
combination of lifestyle choices and the effects of
variations in many genes.
For More Information
These resources address treatment or management
of hypercholesterolemia or some of its symptoms.
Some Helpful
Medical Resources
- WebMd
- drkoop.com