Understanding Cholesterol: Dyslipidemia vs Hyperlipidemia

High blood cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Other cardiovascular risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Nearly 94 million adults in the US have total cholesterol levels that are higher than the recommended level of 200 mg/dL. Two terms that your healthcare professionals might use when talking to you about your cholesterol levels are dyslipidemia and hyperlipidemia. Please continue reading to learn more about what they mean.

Why is it important to manage high cholesterol?

High cholesterol levels in the blood allow plaque to collect inside the blood vessels. This puts the blood vessels at risk of getting blocked. The plaque formation is called atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. When atherosclerotic disease affects the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle, it is called coronary artery disease. When it affects the blood vessels supplying the brain, it is called carotid artery disease.

Blocked blood vessels restricting blood flow to vital organs can lead to serious events like heart attack and stroke. Untreated high cholesterol also puts you at a higher risk of sudden cardiac arrest and vascular problems like peripheral arterial disease.

How can you tell the difference between the two types of cholesterol?

There are various types of cholesterol in the blood, the two main types being LDL and HDL.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered bad cholesterol. A high level of LDL cholesterol in the blood can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) is considered “good” cholesterol. When HDL cholesterol levels are high, cholesterol is transported to the liver and removed from the blood so that it does not cause blockages in the arteries.

Are hyperlipidemia and cholesterol the same?

Cholesterol is a type of fat or lipid in the blood. The term hyperlipidemia refers to high cholesterol.

A blood test called a cholesterol test or lipid profile provides important information about your risk of developing coronary heart disease and cardiovascular events. If the test shows you have high cholesterol, your doctor might say that you have “hyperlipidemia.” They may suggest steps to lower elevated cholesterol and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

What are the different types of cholesterol?

A cholesterol blood test measures different types of elevated lipid levels, including:

LDL cholesterol levels: Elevated LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) is the main cause of blocked arteries. LDL cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dL.
Triglyceride levels: This is another type of fat in the blood. Elevated triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, especially in women. Triglycerides should be less than 150 mg/dL.
VLDL cholesterol: Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is also a type of bad cholesterol. It’s not included in the routine blood test to check cholesterol levels. Around half of VLDL is in the form of triglycerides, so your triglyceride level can be used to estimate VLDL levels.
HDL cholesterol levels: This is commonly referred to as good cholesterol because it helps to get rid of LDL (bad) cholesterol. A low HDL cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. HDL cholesterol should be at least 60 mg/dL.
Total cholesterol: This is the combined amount of cholesterol in your blood. Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg/dL.

What is the difference between hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia?

The terms hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia are commonly used interchangeably. However, there is a subtle difference between them. As mentioned, hyperlipidemia means high blood cholesterol. Dyslipidemia, on the other hand, refers to an abnormal balance between good and bad cholesterol levels without either being out of range.

Both hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia can put you at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Simply put, if your healthcare providers use either of these terms, it is important that you follow their advice to try and normalize your cholesterol levels.

Which is more specific - hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia?

Hyperlipidemia is a broad term that refers to high levels of several types of lipids (fats) in the blood, including high LDL cholesterol and high triglycerides. You can have acquired hyperlipidemia due to lifestyle factors. There are also some inherited disorders like familial hypercholesterolemia and familial combined hyperlipidemia that are included under the term hyperlipidemia.

Hypercholesterolemia is a more specific term. It is a type of hyperlipidemia and refers to higher than normal levels of LDL cholesterol or total cholesterol. But it does not include triglycerides. This term can also refer to lower than normal levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the blood.

Both hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia have similar risk factors and causes, and result in the same negative health consequences.

Wrapping Up: The importance of checking cholesterol numbers

Abnormal levels of cholesterol in your blood can lead to the formation of fatty deposits and plaque buildup in your blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart disease and vascular disease.

If you have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, obesity, an unhealthy diet rich in saturated fat and trans fats, and/or a sedentary lifestyle, you are at even greater risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. Moreover, a family history of premature coronary artery disease (heart disease at a young age in family members) can further increase your risk of acute coronary syndrome (heart attack) and stroke.

Primary prevention consists of making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Your doctor will also advise you on how to lower your other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

If your doctor considers it appropriate, they may prescribe lipid-lowering therapy (a medication that lowers LDL cholesterol level (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides and/or raises HDL cholesterol level.

Follow your doctor’s advice on how often you should have your cholesterol numbers checked and take treatments as recommended.

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