Date updated: June 01, 2009
Content provided by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Also called: Hypercholesterolemia, High Cholesterol, Hyperlipidemia, Hyperlipoproteinemia

Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipoproteinemia, Cholesterol - High or Hyperlipidemia is defined as a condition in which there is excess cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is a substance of high molecular weight and is found in all parts of the body. Cholesterol is very important in the formation of cell walls and in the synthesis of certain vitamins and proteins. But an excess of cholesterol in the body is harmful. The surplus cholesterol starts depositing on the inner walls of the blood vessels. These deposits are known as plaque and they can narrow the lumen of the arteries and cause high blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the many symptoms of Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipoproteinemia or High Cholesterol. High Cholesterol can be detected by undergoing a lipid profile test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.