Hyperlipidaemia What is Hyperlipidaemia? Hyperlipidaemia, or high cholesterol, is present when your blood test shows that you have a high LDL cholesterol level (commonly called bad cholesterol), or a high total cholesterol level. Hyperlipidaemia is a common condition and is due to factors such as unhealthy diet, and genetic factors. A lot of individuals who have hyperlipidaemia also have diabetes and hypertension, and your doctor will recommend checking for these conditions as well.
Why should I be treated? Hyperlipidaemia increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Lowering your cholesterol levels by medication reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke significantly. Do I need any investigations? A simple and easy blood test measures your LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Sometimes, your doctor may do additional blood tests to check your thyroid hormones. If your cholesterol levels are very high, your doctor may suspect Familial Hyperlipidaemia, which is a genetic condition that causes very high cholesterol levels. You may then be recommended to do a further test to check for this condition.