Lipid disorders
- What it is
Lipid disorders refers to a group of conditions in which there are abnormal levels of lipids (cholesterol or fats) in the blood. Most lipid disorders do not cause symptoms on their own, but they can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This includes heart disease, strokes, limb amputations, and blockage of major arteries.
There are several types of lipids. These include cholesterol and triglycerides.
The types of cholesterol which can be measured by a blood test include total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol. High levels of total and LDL cholesterol (sometimes called “bad cholesterol”) increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Not all cholesterol is bad, however – higher levels of HDL cholesterol lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
High triglyceride levels are also associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
