How to Diagnose Hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia, or high cholesterol, is typically diagnosed through a blood test conducted at a medical facility. A diagnosis can be made if one or more of the following criteria are met after testing: total cholesterol levels equal to or greater than 6.2 mmol/L, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels exceeding 4.1 mmol/L, or triglyceride levels above 3.2 mmol/L. Additionally, if high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — known as the "good" cholesterol — falls below 1.0 mmol/L, it may also indicate hyperlipidemia.

Types of Hyperlipidemia

When total cholesterol levels are elevated, the condition is specifically referred to as hypercholesterolemia. On the other hand, if triglycerides are the primary concern, it is known as hypertriglyceridemia. In cases where both cholesterol and triglyceride levels are high, the condition is classified as mixed hyperlipidemia.

Understanding Borderline High Cholesterol

Cholesterol levels may also be categorized as borderline high. For instance, total cholesterol above 5.2 mmol/L or LDL cholesterol exceeding 3.4 mmol/L is considered a borderline elevation. In such cases, individuals who also suffer from conditions like coronary artery disease or diabetes may require medical intervention to manage their cholesterol levels effectively.

Managing Risk Factors

Patients with additional risk factors such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, smoking habits, or obesity must maintain stricter control over their cholesterol levels. These factors significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular complications, making early diagnosis and treatment of hyperlipidemia even more crucial.