Hypercholesterolemia

High levels of cholesterol in the blood that increase a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease leading to stroke or heart attack.


A condition in which the person has excessively high levels of serum cholesterol.


Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), a metabolic disorder, is characterized by high accumulations of fats in the blood. High cholesterol is the leading cause of death in the United States. In a majority of cases, symptomatology culminates as one gets older; however, rare instances of childhood onset have been documented. Particularly deadly to children is familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), which is a rare form of hypercalcemia that is believed to be an autosomal dominant trait characterized by absent or malfunctioning low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors. If the trait is homozygous, complications arise, and most children will not survive into young adulthood. Heterozygous FM will likely present itself in middle adulthood, and if treatment is swift, the patient can survive. Affected FM patients normally develop premature coronary artery disease (CAD) in which early detection is of the utmost importance.


Higher than normal amounts of cholesterol in the blood; the condition is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. A low-cholesterol diet is usually recommended. Some forms of the condition are familial.


Excess cholesterol in the blood and tissue cells.


An abnormally high level of the waxy fat known as cholesterol in the blood. Hypercholesterolemia is a key factor in hardening of the arteries; increases the risk of angina, heart attack, and stroke; and poses a significant threat to health.


A term for high cholesterol levels in the blood.


 

 


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