Blog
Hyperlipidemia
Covenant Metabolic Specialists Health Library
Covenant Metabolic Specialists
Physician Reviewed
Dec 3, 2025
Hyperlipidemia is a broad term for elevated levels of lipids—primarily cholesterol and triglycerides—in the bloodstream. Persistently high low‑density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol accelerates atheroma formation in arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke. Managing hyperlipidemia is foundational to cardiovascular disease prevention and longevity.
Symptoms
Because the condition is asymptomatic, most people discover it through routine lipid panels. In severe or longstanding cases, fatty deposits called xanthomas may appear on tendons or eyelids, and corneal arcus may develop in younger individuals. The first symptom in untreated cases may unfortunately be a cardiac event.
Causes
Hyperlipidemia stems from excess dietary saturated fat and trans fat, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetic variants affecting lipid metabolism, endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism, renal disease, liver cholestasis, certain medications (e.g., steroids, antiretrovirals), and alcohol overuse elevating triglycerides.
Risk Factors
Risks rise with age, male sex, menopause in women, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, central obesity, family history of early heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and genetic disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia. Diets high in red meat, processed foods, and sugars worsen lipid profiles.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis uses fasting or non‑fasting lipid panels measuring total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Secondary causes are screened via TSH, liver function, creatinine, and glucose. Coronary artery calcium scoring or carotid ultrasound evaluates subclinical atherosclerosis to guide treatment intensity.
Treatments
Lifestyle modification—Mediterranean diet, 150 minutes of weekly exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation—is first. Pharmacotherapy: statins (cornerstone), ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid, fibrates for triglycerides, omega‑3 ethyl esters. High‑risk patients may require combination therapy to achieve LDL <55 mg/dL.
Prevention
Healthy diet from childhood, routine lipid screening at age 20, avoiding tobacco, maintaining healthy weight, and exercising regularly prevent hyperlipidemia. Genetic counseling and cascade screening catch familial cases early for aggressive intervention.
Our Take
Covenant’s lipid clinic employs advanced lipid testing, genetic counseling, and shared decision‑making to choose therapies that maximize cardiovascular risk reduction while respecting patient preferences and cost considerations.
Lowering LDL saves lives—every 40 mg/dL drop cuts major events by ~20 %. Covenant equips patients with lifestyle tools and potent medications to meet evidence‑based lipid goals.
